Several governments across the world have given a lot of importance to the issues of linguistics and religious diversities. Moreover, professional linguists and specialized organizations have taken a close lead in the discourse surrounding differences in linguistics and religion. For example, there have been attempts to revitalize minority languages in several countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Most of the developed countries have formulated specific national policies so that the minority languages can be given the chance to develop.
It is imperative to mention that there are quite a number of minority languages across the world. These languages are generally considered to be under threat. Some minority languages might fade away if urgent and prudent measures are not put in place to protect their existence (De Blij & Ebrary, 2009). Needless to say, multi-million research related projects have been initiated in order to investigate pertinent issues regarding linguistics diversity.
It is natural for people to feel passionate about their native languages bearing in mind that language and culture share a common essence. This trend is more pronounced when individuals who belong to a certain language group hold a notion that their language is facing a serious threat. In the study of linguistics, it has been established that there are thousands of languages that were incepted in the history of mankind. However, such languages were eventuality lost due to the dominance of strong dialects. Even the written records of major languages such as Sumerian and Etruscan were significantly modified. Other dominant languages were succeeded by modern ones.
The desire to enhance linguistic diversity in the contemporary world has been boosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. For example, the International Mother Language Day was incepted by UNESCO in 1999 during its 30th session (De Blij & Ebrary, 2009).
As already depicted above, language is one of the cornerstones of culture. Therefore, the manifesto of language can be equated to religion. Religious affiliation is also a crucial issue when discussing the aspect of religious diversity across the world. There are tens of visible means that religious adherents use to display their identity in public. These include gestures, symbols, hair styles, and the general mode of dressing. Solidarity and confidence are among the two most important values that are shared by individuals who subscribe to similar or common religious practices (De Blij & Ebrary, 2009). Moreover, various places of worship are characterized by unique architectural designs that differentiate one religion from another.
When the diversities between linguistics and religion are compared and contrasted, it can be seen that religious differences across the world have led to sharp disagreements between different groups. In other words, religious differences have caused massive suffering to millions of people. For example, Islam and Christianity have not been in good terms for a long time. In some cases, religious differences between the two faith extremes have led to outbreaks of war and subsequent loss of life and property. Sectarian adherence and religious beliefs are deeply entrenched in the modern society (De Blij & Ebrary, 2009).
Anthropologists and cultural geographers have also managed to relate climate and civilization in line with diversity in religion. It is apparent that religious diversity across the globe has assumed an ecological approach with various geographical regions representing unique religious profiles and diversities. There is indeed a close relationship between ecological circumstances and cultural traditions that are attached to religion (De Blij & Ebrary, 2009).
Reference
De Blij, H.J. & Ebrary, I. (2009). The Power of Place: Geography, Destiny, and Globalization’s Rough Landscape. New York: Oxford University Press. Web.