According to the manifesto of the International Federation of Library Associations, “Cultural and linguistic diversity is the common heritage of humankind and should be cherished and preserved for the benefit of all.” The manifesto of this group is unique because it does not limit its focus to simply making sure that every culture is represented in the library books, but it also wants the languages to be showcased and preserved, and this is a very touchy subject in America. Unfortunately, many people feel that standard American English should be spoken by everyone in this country and that it is their job to learn our language. However, while it would be convenient if everyone was able to understand each other, it is not likely to happen any time soon. We are a land of immigrants, and some first generation immigrants will not learn to speak proper English because they are older and used to their native tongue.
Also, just because people learn to speak a new language, it does not mean that they should then ignore or forget their native language. Our language is part of our history and culture, and it is a key element in the preservation of culture; therefore, all languages should be respected and preserved. Instead of just focusing on making sure everyone learns to speak English, we should also make sure everyone learns a second, or even a third language. This will help teach people about other cultures and make them more culturally aware, as well giving them more marketable skills.
One way that libraries can help promote the preservation of languages would be to buy books in multiple languages. While this may seem impractical in this tough economy where book budgets are being cut, it is actually one the most important things a library can do. Having books in range of languages, in both children’s and adult’s books, will give more people the opportunity to learn or perfect a foreign language. It will also give people the opportunity to read to their children in their native language and pass on their linguistic tradition.
Libraries should also try planning programs that celebrate foreign languages. Having a local teacher, or even a bilingual librarian, teach patrons simple words and phrases in another language would be a beneficial program. Also, the library could focus on a different language each week and have simple signs made in that language that can be used to label things around the library. Children would enjoy walking around the library and seeing books, tables and other items labeled in Spanish or Chinese. It is a quick and easy way to promote a little bit of linguistic diversity, and if people enjoy this then the library can look into spending more money on larger programs and events.
There are many ways a library can promote linguistic diversity, and it is important to do if the library truly wants to be a multicultural institution. We live in a unique country where there are many cultures and languages being mixed together. Each one of these cultures needs to be celebrated and respected so that it does not die out, and so that next generation will be able to experience the same wealth of cultural diversity that we do.
References
International Federation of Library Associations. (2008). The IFLA multicultural library manifesto. Retrieved November 2, 2010 from http://www.ifla.org/VII/s32/pub/MulticulturalLibraryManifesto.pdf
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