Dr. Fırat BAŞBUĞ, faculty member of the Department of Linguistics, delivered a speech titled “The Death of Living Languages: Can Language Documentation Save Them?” on December 21, 2022, as part of a seminar organized by the Department of Linguistics and the Linguistics Club.
The seminar began by emphasizing that language is a fundamental component of a society’s identity and cultural heritage. Dr. BAŞBUĞ drew attention to the fact that with the loss of a language, intangible cultural heritage and valuable cultural elements such as wisdom, mythology, folklore, traditions, and customs expressed in that language would also disappear. He highlighted that this situation not only signifies the extinction of a language but also poses a threat to the roots, history, and identity of the language-speaking community.
The seminar emphasized the critical role of language documentation studies in the preservation of languages and cultural heritage. It was stated that these studies aim to systematically document languages that are at risk of extinction and transmit them to future generations. Dr. BAŞBUĞ underscored the need for collaboration between linguists, communities, and local governments in language documentation efforts and emphasized the importance of preserving languages for sustainable communities.
Detailed information was shared during the seminar regarding the scope and methods of language documentation studies. Dr. BAŞBUĞ emphasized the effectiveness of methods such as collecting oral and written resources, conducting linguistic research, and documenting the grammar and structure of languages for their sustainability. Furthermore, he highlighted the significance of utilizing digital tools and resources in language documentation studies.
Dr. BAŞBUĞ’s presentation served as an inspiring resource for academics working in the fields of linguistics and cultural heritage preservation, as well as linguistics students and other interested individuals. The seminar contributed to raising awareness and fostering greater interest and care for the importance of language and cultural heritage in preserving cultural diversity within the academic community.
