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Languages Lost and Found
Speaking & Whistling the Mamma Tongue
| Length: | 30 min |
| Released: | 2011 |
This richly illustrated short film celebrates diverse linguistic and cultural practices from around the world. In footage spanning five continents—from rainforest longhouses in Borneo to dramatic mountaintops in the Canary Islands—dynamic visions of art, music, and dance are woven into a vivid global mosaic.
Languages Lost and Found highlights the extent to which the ways we think, speak, and express our ideas are all a reflection of our language. The film reminds viewers about how quickly some languages are disappearing and advocates for the native tongue as an all-important vehicle for maintaining culture, sharing traditional wisdom, and envisioning the future.
Languages Lost and Found highlights the extent to which the ways we think, speak, and express our ideas are all a reflection of our language. The film reminds viewers about how quickly some languages are disappearing and advocates for the native tongue as an all-important vehicle for maintaining culture, sharing traditional wisdom, and envisioning the future.
"Tells the story of linguistic diversity and language endangerment. Whether in Palauan, Inuktitut, Kichwa or the birdlike whistles of Silbo Gomero, the melody of this cultural collage is soul-piercing: if we lose our mother tongue, we may lose the essence of who we are.”
‒Juliette Blevins, Dir., Endangered Language Initiative, CUNY Graduate Center
"UNESCO thanks you for the privilege of this collaboration.The film Languages Lost and Found is really quite stunning and inspiring."
‒Suzanne Bilello, Senior Public Information and Liaison Officer, UNESCO, New York
"This short and evocative film makes the case for the uniqueness and importance of each human language."
‒Jack David Eller, Anthropology Review Database
‒Juliette Blevins, Dir., Endangered Language Initiative, CUNY Graduate Center
"UNESCO thanks you for the privilege of this collaboration.The film Languages Lost and Found is really quite stunning and inspiring."
‒Suzanne Bilello, Senior Public Information and Liaison Officer, UNESCO, New York
"This short and evocative film makes the case for the uniqueness and importance of each human language."
‒Jack David Eller, Anthropology Review Database
UN Special Screening for International Mother Language Day, February 2012
