Vanishing Voices: What We Lose When a Language Dies

Preserving Language, Protecting Culture: A Legacy for Future Generations

In this edition of Dream Different, we explore a topic that might seem distant to some, yet it holds a key to understanding and connecting with our own roots and identities: the preservation of language. Around the world, languages are more than just words—they’re the soul of culture, the way we pass down knowledge, values, and history. But today, countless languages face the risk of extinction, taking with them entire ways of thinking, teaching, and relating to the world. These themes echo the essential message of The Native American Dream, which emphasizes the importance of sustaining culture, heritage, and values for future generations.

Consider this: globally, we speak over 7,000 languages, each shaped over centuries and each carrying its community’s history and beliefs. According to the Indigenous Language Institute, there were once more than 300 Indigenous languages spoken in the United States alone. Today, around 175 remain, and without active preservation efforts, as few as 20 may survive by 2050. When a language fades, it doesn’t just take words with it—it takes a piece of our shared human story, and with it, the dreams that anchor each culture’s unique worldview.

Imagine if English—or any language you grew up with—suddenly vanished. We might lose not only ways of expressing ourselves but the stories, beliefs, and values that helped shape us. Even sacred texts like the Bible, printed in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek, reflect the importance of language as a vessel for cultural and spiritual beliefs. Each of these languages preserves a unique historical and spiritual perspective. Similarly, in Indigenous communities, there are words and teachings about family, nature, and respect that don’t translate easily into other languages. Preserving these languages allows us to keep these perspectives alive and accessible to future generations, a core principle that The Native American Dream aims to uphold.

We recently read stories about the Cherokee Nation’s efforts to preserve their language. In a world that often emphasizes dominant languages, the Cherokee community is working hard to teach their children Cherokee. With more than 1,500 people currently speaking the language, and programs in place to keep it growing, they’re ensuring that future generations will understand their heritage on a deeper level. This language preservation isn’t just for the Cherokee Nation—it’s an example for all of us of the importance of connecting with our roots.

We may not all speak an endangered language, but we’ve each had experiences shaped by the culture we come from. Think about the family expressions or words you grew up hearing—words or phrases that might not fully translate but hold deep personal or cultural meaning. Languages give life to these cultural experiences. In many Native communities, language preservation is a family and community effort—a way of keeping the past alive for those who will one day lead. It’s a reminder that we, too, can honor our own traditions, history, and family stories, recognizing that every culture has wisdom to offer.

Across the globe, communities are working to save endangered languages. In New Zealand, Māori language schools help pass down traditional teachings. In Ireland, Gaelic immersion programs are reintroducing the language to young generations. These global efforts show a shared belief that language preservation is crucial for cultural survival and community identity. The Native American Dream underscores this lesson, teaching that when language and culture thrive, so do the dreams and visions of entire communities.

What can we learn from these preservation efforts? First, that language isn’t just about words—it’s about identity and belonging. Studies show that people who connect with their heritage through language often feel more grounded, confident, and connected to their communities. Whether through Hebrew, Mandarin, Spanish, or Cherokee, language links us to those who came before and shapes how we pass on values and stories to those who will come after us.

The Cherokee Nation’s commitment to teaching their language reflects a universal lesson: we all benefit from efforts to preserve the past, especially in a time when globalization risks erasing the smaller, unique voices of the world.

Here’s how we can help keep languages and cultures alive:

•    Learn a few words or phrases in an Indigenous or heritage language, whether it’s part of your background or not.

•    Support language preservation programs through donations or by volunteering.

•    Engage with cultural preservation efforts in your community, and respect and honor the diversity of languages around you.

As we look forward, may we be inspired by the Cherokee example. Preserving languages, and the unique insights they carry, helps keep our world rich, diverse, and deeply connected to its roots.

We all have something valuable to pass on, whether it’s stories, family traditions, or simply an appreciation for those who came before us. Let’s keep this dream alive—a dream where every language, big or small, has a voice, and every culture has a future.

 Make your voice heard, share your thoughts, I look forward to hearing from you.

Be well,

Rod

The Native American Dream