From the Pamir mountains of Tajikistan to the highlands of Mexico, and from Yaeyama Islands of Japan to the California coastal lands of USA, thousands of minorities and indigenous people strive to preserve their endangered languages through grassroot and national efforts, scholarly endeavours and agencies which promote the values of indigenous knowledge and cultures. This video tells the story of Foundation for Endangered Languages (FEL) and its endeavours to preserve endangered languages worldwide. It highlights inspiring grassroots efforts to revitalise endangered Pamiri languages through film, radio, and children’s storytelling. Supported by the FEL, local communities have created dubbed films, cartoons, and audiobooks in Shughni, Rushani, Wakhi and other endangered languages — proving that their languages are not only for daily conversation but also for creative and cultural expression. By bringing the voices indigenous people to new media, these initiatives strengthen identity, inspire pride among younger generations, and affirm that every language has the right to exist.
The film was created by IIS for the 25th anniversary of FEL as a tribute to its enduring support for the preservation of endangered languages as cultural assets of humanity.
