Events

In Northern Sámi language, ‘Árran’ means hearth/fireplace, and we take it as an analogy to how languages allow people to come together and share their different experiences. On the Year of Indigenous Languages declared by Unesco, the main objective of our Symposium is to allow both indigenous and non-indigenous scholars, activists, and artists to discuss indigenous languages in light of the current socio-political, economic, and environmental changes. Our aim is to to exchange knowledge on best practices for the promotion of Indigenous languages, which are often listed as endangered, and to advance knowledge on the relations between Indigenous languages, ontologies, and epistemologies. The Symposium allows us to match the goals risen by Unesco by celebrating the Year of Indigenous Languages, and to effectively contribute to scholarship in developing the concept of language ecology further. Metaphorically, sharing stories and narratives, verbal art, ways of speaking, and their symbolism fuels the warmth and guarantees the continuation of the Árran.

Join us for Gohwééh dóó Bááh Łikáni (Coffee and donuts)! This time will be used to focus on speaking the Navajo language, however, there are several indigenous languages of the southwest and we encourage speakers to join us to speak their Native language.

Stephanie Smee, Harley Dunolly-Lee, Ruth Singer and Omid Tofighian translating Australian Indigenous languages, French, Swedish and Persian (Farsi) stories and celebrating UNESCO’s International Year of Indigenous Languages.

The International Forum seeks to build a common understanding and a renewed commitment towards reinforcing inclusion in education among education policy makers, education practitioners, civil society organisations, NGOs, UN agencies, development partners and private sector.