learning in your mother tongue

Schooling may play a role in this homogenization of languages.  Newer research in alphanumeric literacy may show the effects of the linearization of thought and its consequent impact on the brain in societies that communicate extensively in text. According to the website, indigenous peoples are much wealthier in language resources than most of us who live and work in mass societies. And schools want to impose an education -- or a language -- they consider useful. But the kids in this video prefer learning in their mother tongue at this school. Or maybe its the pictures, as the teacher says (in video below).

UPDATE: Google's plan for Endangered Languages has been announced. From the About page:   ... Through this website, users can not only access the most up to date and comprehensive information on endangered languages as well as samples being provided by partners, but also play an active role in putting their languages online by submitting information or samples in the form of text, audio or video files. In addition, users will be able to share best practices and case studies through a knowledge sharing section and through joining relevant Google Groups.

Google oversaw the development and launch of this project, but the long term goal is for it be led by true experts in the field of language preservation. As such, oversight of the project will soon transition to First Peoples' Cultural Council andThe Institute for Language Information and Technology (The Linguist List) at Eastern Michigan University in coordination with the Advisory Committee. 

Strengthening education in Bangladesh | UNDP: 
Multilingual education is providing these young children with the incentive to come to school and to stay there at a time when they are just starting down their educational paths.

Keeping languages alive
Around the world, indigenous peoples contribute greatly to humanity's cultural diversity. They contribute more than two thirds of the world's languages and provide an extraordinary amount of traditional knowledge. Programmes such as the education initiative in the Chittagong Hill Tract community in Bangladesh help keep such languages and traditions alive.

Of the roughly 7,000 languages that exist today, it is estimated that more than 4,000 are spoken by indigenous peoples. Language specialists predict that up to 90 percent of the world’s languages are likely to become extinct, or threatened with extinction, by the end of the century.

Linguists hope to save endangered languages in India | PRI.ORG: 

(listen at the link or download mp3)
"Latu Rutia rises from a cot on the back porch of his house in Chhota Udaipur, a small town in western India that many members of the Rathwa tribe call home.

Rutia, an 80-year-old member of the tribe, wears only a loincloth and earring. He speaks in his native language of Ratwee. Rutia says in the schools his grandchildren attend they are taught in the state language, Gujarati.

"They are forced to speak differently," he said."