Europe’s linguistic diversity is under threat, with dozens of regional languages on the verge of extinction. However, a wave of EU-funded research and innovative projects led by experts like Justyna Olko is aiming to change that narrative, spotlighting the cultural significance of minority languages and the urgent need to preserve them.
A Lifelong Mission to Preserve Languages
Justyna Olko, a Polish historian and sociolinguist, has been at the forefront of efforts to revive endangered languages. Her journey began in the 1990s with a fascination for the indigenous cultures of the Americas, which eventually led her to study archaeology at the University of Warsaw. During her postgraduate research on the Nahua people of central Mexico, Olko discovered her true passion for sociolinguistics and the history of indigenous languages.
Her dedication to language preservation was further solidified in 2012 when she received a grant for a three-year project focused on the Nahua culture and language. This project also extended to minority languages in Poland, such as Lemko, spoken by around 11,000 people, and Wymysiöerys, with just a few dozen speakers. Olko has learned some Lemko and plans to learn Wymysiöerys as well.
The Fight Against Language Extinction
Now a professor at the University of Warsaw, Olko has expanded her work through various projects, including the EU-funded ENGHUM initiative, which she led until December 2018. The initiative was dedicated to the revitalization of endangered languages in Poland and indigenous languages in Mexico, such as Nahuatl, Mixtec, and Ayuuk.
The importance of this work cannot be overstated, as the critical threshold for language survival is estimated at 300,000 speakers. According to UNESCO, there are currently 221 endangered regional and minority languages within the European Union. Olko emphasizes that preserving these languages is vital not only for maintaining a sense of identity and emotional attachment but also for fostering well-being and communication across generations.
Engaging Communities and Creating a Sense of Togetherness
One of the key achievements of the ENGHUM project was the creation of a platform for community engagement. The project brought together sociolinguists, anthropologists, and members of local communities from both Europe and Mexico, enabling them to exchange experiences and share knowledge through workshops, field schools, and cultural events.
This collaborative effort was crucial in showing these communities that they are not alone in their struggles, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. Many community members were inspired to create their own social networks, continuing the exchange of resources and ideas long after the project ended.
The Role of Technology in Language Revitalization
As the rise of political right and nationalist identity politics in Europe creates new challenges for language revitalization, the role of technology in preserving endangered languages has become increasingly important. This is exemplified by the creation of the Center for Research and Practice in Cultural Continuity at the University of Warsaw, which aims to continue and expand Olko’s work.
Other experts in Europe are also recognizing the importance of preserving minority languages. The EU-funded RISE UP initiative, running until January 2026, focuses on the revitalization of five endangered languages: Aranese (Spain and France), Aromanian (the Balkans), Burgenland Croatian (Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia), Cornish (UK), and Seto (Estonia and Russia).
Raising Awareness and Engaging the Next Generation
As part of their efforts, the RISE UP team has engaged in a variety of initiatives to raise awareness and connect communities. These include residencies for musicians and poets from endangered language communities, the creation of voice-based works inspired by native landscapes, and the development of an app designed to help communities interact and create learning resources.
In sync with 21st-century trends, the team has also hosted online workshops focused on topics like language activism and digital tools for supporting minority languages. These efforts are particularly aimed at engaging younger generations, who are often disconnected from their regional languages.
The Importance of Preserving Minority Languages
The work of RISE UP and similar initiatives highlights the critical importance of preserving minority languages. As Gisela Hagmair, a specialist in applied linguistics and coordinator of the RISE UP initiative, explains, losing languages means losing the knowledge and cultural richness embedded within them.
The RISE UP team is also working on plans to dub popular TV programs in minority languages and to organize a round table discussion aimed at expanding awareness and engaging decision-makers at both the European and local levels.
In the face of these challenges, the combined efforts of technology and tradition offer a beacon of hope for Europe’s endangered languages, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage they represent can be preserved for future generations.
Research in this article was funded by the EU’s Horizon Programme. The views of the interviewees do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it on social media.
