Fostering Language Diversity: Insights from the Mercator Language Conference 2024

In early November 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Mercator Language Conference on Shaping Policy for Minority Languages and Multilingualism in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. This inspiring event brought together language activists, researchers, educators, linguists, and policymakers, all dedicated to safeguarding linguistic diversity and supporting minority languages worldwide. My attendance was made possible through funding from the Wikimedia Language Diversity Hub, with the support of Wikitongues.

Hosted by the Mercator European Research Centre, the conference provided a vibrant platform to exchange ideas, learn from community-driven initiatives, and explore innovative strategies for language revitalization. Here I share some of the most compelling insights from the event and reflect on how they relate to Wikimedia’s commitment to language diversity and the work of the Language Diversity Hub.

Community-Driven Language Revitalization

One key theme was the power of community-led projects in language preservation. Activists and community leaders from regions like Friesland, the Basque Country, and the Sami territories shared successful programs that engage younger generations and strengthen community ties. These projects included language immersion camps, local media production in minority languages, and storytelling sessions that connect language learners with native speakers.

A standout example came from Friesland, where education programs integrate the Frisian language at all levels, from preschool to university. This approach has shown measurable success, with a significant rise in Frisian fluency among young people and a growing acceptance of Frisian as an everyday language. Such community-rooted initiatives demonstrate how engaging local voices is crucial to sustaining a language and embedding it in daily life.

Research on Multilingualism and Cognitive Benefits

The conference also presented research highlighting the cognitive and cultural advantages of multilingualism, especially in multilingual European regions where minority and majority languages coexist. Studies from linguists in Catalonia and Wales showed that multilingual education not only strengthens minority languages but also enhances students’ proficiency in dominant languages and boosts cognitive flexibility. This reinforces the idea that language diversity should be seen as a benefit to societies, not a barrier.

This research resonates deeply with Wikimedia’s mission to support knowledge equity. By providing access to content in underrepresented languages, we encourage linguistic diversity as an educational and social asset, celebrating the cognitive benefits of learning in multiple languages.

Policy Support for Minority Languages

A dedicated session focused on policy frameworks for minority language protection. Policymakers and representatives from the Friesland government emphasized the need for legal protections and sustainable funding to support minority languages. They discussed the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages as an example of international collaboration on this front. However, they also highlighted the importance of community-led efforts and monitoring to ensure that policies create real, measurable outcomes.

For Wikimedia, this underscores the importance of advocating for supportive language policies that allow digital platforms like ours to document, promote, and protect minority languages. By joining forces with policymakers and leveraging research, we can help ensure that minority languages receive the protection they need.

Digital Tools for Language Preservation

One of the most exciting aspects of the conference was the demonstration of new technologies designed to support language preservation. From AI-based translation tools to mobile apps for language learning, these innovations open new doors for reaching broader audiences and making language resources more accessible. Open-source platforms, in particular, were seen as essential to this work, aligning perfectly with Wikimedia’s values of openness and collaboration.

The Language Diversity Hub and Wikitongues have pioneered open, community-driven models for language documentation. Seeing how rapidly technology is advancing, there are now greater opportunities than ever for us to integrate digital tools that support endangered and minority languages on Wikimedia projects, such as Wiktionary, Wikisource, and Wikipedia.

Looking Forward: Wikimedia’s Role in Language Diversity

Attending the Mercator Language Conference reaffirmed the vital role that Wikimedia projects can play in supporting language diversity. As Wikimedia communities, we are in a unique position to empower speakers of minority languages, helping to document their knowledge, history, and culture on a global scale. Our mission aligns with the vision set forth at this conference: to see languages flourish not only as cultural treasures but as integral parts of our shared global knowledge.

In the coming months, I look forward to exploring how we can apply these insights to further our work at the Wikimedia Language Diversity Hub. By fostering partnerships with community activists, exploring new digital tools for language documentation, and advocating for policy support, we can strengthen our role as a digital home for every language.

I’m deeply grateful to the Wikimedia Language Diversity Hub and Wikitongues for supporting my participation in this conference. It was an invaluable experience, connecting with passionate individuals from around the world who share our commitment to preserving and promoting linguistic diversity. I look forward to continuing this work and bringing these lessons into our efforts to empower all language communities on Wikimedia platforms.