Denial of right of peoples to use their own language

Denial of right of indigenous peoples to use their own language

Nature

With land, language is considered by most dispossessed indigenous peoples as equally constitutive of their identity as sovereign peoples, and of their right to live as such. The diversity of human languages is in process of rapid erosion with many languages becoming extinct or in process of complete marginalization.

Background

The denial of peoples’ right to use their own language emerged as a recognized global issue in the 20th century, particularly with the rise of nation-states enforcing linguistic assimilation. International concern intensified after UNESCO’s 1953 report on vernacular languages in education and the 1992 UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities, highlighting the cultural and social consequences of language suppression and prompting ongoing advocacy for linguistic rights worldwide.

Incidence

UNESCO estimated in 1996 that 4,000 to 5,000 of the 6,000 languages spoken in the world are those spoken by indigenous peoples.

Claim

Denying people the right to use their own language is a grave violation of human rights and cultural dignity. Language is the heart of identity, heritage, and self-expression. Suppressing it erases histories, silences voices, and breeds injustice. Such denial fuels discrimination, marginalization, and the loss of irreplaceable knowledge. Protecting linguistic rights is not optional—it is essential for equality, social cohesion, and the preservation of humanity’s rich diversity. This issue demands urgent global attention.

Counter-claim

The idea that denying people the right to use their own language is a significant problem is vastly overstated. In today’s globalized world, prioritizing a common language fosters unity and efficiency. Language diversity often hinders communication and progress. Societies function better when everyone speaks the same language, and insisting on minority languages only creates unnecessary division. This issue is not important compared to real challenges like poverty, security, and economic development.