Across the globe, the struggle for the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages is gaining momentum. This blossoming movement is primarily driven by passionate individuals who aim to promote their languages through educational platforms and creative artistic expressions. Notably, the contributions of Ghanaian educator Musah Fuseini and Diné poet Esther Belin represent poignant examples of this cultural renaissance.
Musah Fuseini, who has dedicated 17 years to teaching the Dagbani language, is actively involved with the Dagbani-language Wikipedia, which serves as one of the few primary digital resources for Dagbani speakers. He expresses deep pride and commitment to the cause, stating, "I take pride in having the opportunity to contribute to digital platforms like Wikipedia to promote and preserve my language online for future generations." With over one million speakers residing predominantly in Ghana and Northern Togo, the Dagbani language faces challenges due to limited internet presence and low literacy levels among speakers.
Fusing his teaching with activism, Fuseini emphasizes the need for online educational resources, especially for educators and students. His involvement with the Open Education for a Better World (OE4BW) program has been instrumental, allowing him to create Open Educational Resources (OERs) geared toward promoting literacy and accessibility for the Dagbani language. He recounts how he became aware of the Dagbani Wikipedia through Sadik Shahadu, leading to his role as one of the founding members of the Dagbani Wikimedians User Group. This involvement has nurtured his drive for linguistic preservation and empowered others within his community to engage with digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the literary world has witnessed the works of Esther Belin, a Diné poet who guest-edited the March 2025 issue of Poetry magazine. Belin's work centers around the complex relationship between Indigenous languages and English, stating, "Originally forced on us, English is now being reconstructed with Diné sound and thought." Through this issue, she highlights her aim to showcase over 20 Indigenous authors who are reimagining English by intertwining it with their unique cultural perspectives. She explores the transformation of English by Indigenous poets, emphasizing how their works challenge conventions of language and represent cultural narratives.
Belin recognizes the shift happening within Indigenous writing communities, which includes bringing Indigenous methodologies and epistemologies to the forefront of creativity. She believes many writers are attempting to address the tension between their Indigenous identities and linguistic realities, stating, "For those of us for whom English is our primary language – how do we sort of take off the veil of shame and kind of just say: ‘Look, I’m still a Navajo woman, regardless of what language I’m speaking?’" Her sentiments resonate deeply as they reflect the broader struggle faced by many Indigenous language speakers today.
The interconnectedness of language, tradition, and cultural heritage is beautifully illustrated through the Tibetan epic, Gesar, which has recently received attention for its cultural importance. Officially inscribed on UNESCO’s list of the representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity back in 2009, the epic has represented Tibetan culture and language for decades. Over the years, local governments have sought to preserve its narrative form, establishing websites and financial support for bards who narrate the epic through modern digital mediums like livestreaming.
The Gesar epic holds significant meaning as it incorporates Tibetan folk culture, cosmology, and morality, serving as both entertainment and historical documentation. The epic is deeply rooted within Tibetan society, conveying tales of heroism and moral values, displaying the essence of their identity. This cultural revival emphasizes not only the need for language preservation but also highlights community connections within cultural narratives.
These three narratives—of Fuseini's linguistic advocacy, Belin's poetic reinvention, and the Gesar epic's cultural significance—epitomize the collective effort toward indigenous language preservation. Fuseini's work with Wikipedia demonstrates how digital activism can engage younger generations and address the resource gap, encouraging greater literacy within the Dagbani-speaking community. Belin's poetic contributions unearth the dynamics of identity and language, instigatively presenting new avenues for creative expression among Indigenous writers. The Gesar epic, on the other hand, stands as testimony to the enduring power of cultural narratives to assert identity and heritage amid societal pressures.
When viewed collectively, these initiatives exemplify the resilience of Indigenous languages and cultures, illustrating how digital platforms, artistic practices, and community engagement contribute to leveraging visibility and advocacy for linguistic heritage. The stories of individuals actively working to preserve their languages and cultures inspire hope for future generations—demonstrates the significance of safeguarding linguistic diversity globally. By creating prominent spaces for these narratives to thrive, they not only transmit cultural identity but also affirm the value of linguistic distinctions as fundamental aspects of human expression.