Communities developing resources and competencies for using their languages
Foundational understanding for language development work of all kinds
Publications, fonts and computer tools for language development, translation and research
SIL offers training in disciplines relevant to sustainable language development.
Over 7,000 languages are spoken or signed. CLICK for map of world languages & regional websites.
SIL's commitment to see people flourishing using the languages they value most.
Language is fundamental to one's identity and to a sense of community and personal value.
Dr. Brenda Boerger, SIL Language and Culture Documentation Coordinator, led a team of five interns to Santa Cruz Island, in the Solomon Islands, for fieldwork in the Oceanic language, Natqgu [ntu] (also Natügu)—part of her US government-funded Documenting Endangered Languages (DEL) Fellowship.
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“I’ve learned that there is sometimes a whole philosophy or worldview behind certain words, like ‘yinjwifo’, meaning ‘it will turn to dust’, suggesting that nothing that we do lasts forever, and so you should not take pride in your accomplishments or status, but remain humble and respectful at all times”.
Around the village and in the fields, many children perched on logs or stones to copy the letters of their new alphabet and to read the first-ever book in their language. READ MORE >>
In some areas in Eastern Europe where war has destroyed houses and roads, it has also ruined opportunities for children’s education.
As Aboriginal peoples across Canada struggle to save their languages, the Naskapis of northern Quebec are serving as a model for language promotion and revitalization.
Recognizing the importance of this cultural tradition, literacy workers encouraged children of the Huallaga Quechua of Peru to collect riddles.
If the people lose their language they will no longer have words for the 100 species of birds in the area, each of which have their own Kamasau name.
Access to education in your native language is usually taken for granted in western countries. In many parts of the world that access is either very limited or not available at all. This is especially true for some Deaf children in Southeast Asia.
