As an organization devoted to minority and indigenous rights around the world, Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We oppose systemic racism and inequality, at home and abroad. We acknowledge our responsibility to listen to and amplify the voices of those who have been oppressed. Our methodology has always been to support and elevate the work of our collaborators to help combat cultural and linguistic oppression.

Part of our mission is to raise awareness about linguistic discrimination, and how stigma and shame can lead to the erosion of languages and cultures. 

At this time, we feel it is important to bring awareness to the excellent work that has been done by our colleagues at “The Language and Life Project” who produced an award-winning series of films, including the acclaimed documentaries “Talking Black in America” and “Signing Black in America.” https://www.talkingblackinamerica.org/

According to their website, Talking Black in America is “a 5-part documentary series explores the most controversial and misunderstood language variety in the United States: African American Language (AAL). With the perspectives of everyday people and the guidance of  historians, linguists, and educators, the series showcases the history of the language, the symbolic role it plays in the lives of African Americans, and the tremendous impact on the language and culture of the United States.”

We stand in solidarity with many other cultural and scientific organizations in the US and around the globe who wish to see a reframing of institutions and policies, with the goal of creating a world that is more fair and diverse.