Is heritage at risk in your community? Don’t be silent about it!
Island Heritage-scape provides a space for you to ‘talk’ about it. Tell your story as only you can.
Your story can take whatever medium you choose: video, audio, script you name it…we simply want to hear about the unique asset within your community; the reason you feel that heritage is at risk; and how you feel that threat can be reversed.
Island heritage-scape is open to in-direct ‘heritage policing’ and lobbying on your behalf. The intent is to contribute to heritage data banks within islands. The data banks are necessary for a number of reasons, but primarily it is a way of ensuring your little piece of history is counted and recognized.
All we ask is for you to be vigilant and committed in securing our collective human right to conserve, safeguard and develop our island heritage.
Think on this…is your Mother Language at risk?
There are an estimated 6,000 known languages across the globe and nearly 50 per cent are in danger of becoming extinct, with one language disappearing on average every two weeks. According to statistics from the United Nations Educational and Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), over 70 per cent of all languages in the world are found in just 20 nations, among them some of the poorest in the world (2003).
The gloomy outcast for the world’s languages is captured in ‘The Vanishing Languages of the Pacific Rim’ (2007) and leaves nothing in doubt about the fragile state of this intangible heritage. If Strauss’s observation that “only 5 to 10 per cent of languages spoken in the world are ‘safe’ from extinction” is correct, this is of grave concern as it suggests the cultural identity of millions across the globe is seriously endangered.
Why is it important for societies to take heed of the impending catastrophe facing this vital feature of intangible heritage? It would not be an exaggeration to suggest that without language, identity of self, culture and community would be threatened particularly in societies where languages are being overtly suppressed. Those distinctive features of intangible cultural heritage including folklore, riddles and rhymes, proverbs, and music are all shaped and delivered by mother languages.
As essential components of humanity mother languages should be viewed with a stronger sense of socio-cultural value. However, Mother languages are also the vessel for the creation of many other intangible heritage assets such as folklore and music, which are attracting growing attention among cultural tourists, researchers and experts of language and others. It is not surprising therefore that languages, are increasingly being sought out as a central feature of (linguistic) research development and a greater cultural heritage experience.
Moore Town Maroons demonstrating the possibilities...
In 2004, the Musical Heritage of the Moore Town Maroons Musical Heritage was recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding intangible value with its listing to the prestigious 'Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'.
As you’ll hear in this feature on the Jamaican Maroon village, the Kromanti (also spelt Khromanti) language is the core of the community's musical heritage. The leadership of the community is now carefully crafting a responsible heritage tourism programme to revitalize and promote the community’s unique assets including its African languages.
Not every community will enjoy the recognition conferred on the Moore Town Maroons. But all communities have a right to safeguard their linguistic heritage. If you feel your legacy is at risk, break the silence, unlock the barriers and make your heritage asset count!
Admittedly, it’s much easier to spot threats to our tangible heritage. It’s all around us. Is your asset worth preserving? I thought intervention was needed in this case of the Belle Plain Great House in Clarendon, Jamaica.http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20061105/out/out3.html
The challenge in ending the silence is it requires sustained and committed lobbying. It starts with you, but it often takes the 'buy-in' and perseverance of an entire community.
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| Belle Plain Great House, Clarendon Jamaica |
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| Lord of the House |
