Communities developing resources and competencies for using their languages
Foundational understanding for language development work of all kinds
Publications, fonts and computer tools for language development, translation and research
SIL offers training in disciplines relevant to sustainable language development.
7,099 languages are spoken or signed. CLICK for map of world languages & regional websites.
SIL's dedication to language development past and present
Language is fundamental to one's identity and to a sense of community and personal value.
The children learn their mother tongue first, then later learn the trade language Pijin and English.
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“I had difficulty reading and writing, and I told my mom I was going to leave school.” Famata didn’t have high hopes for her future.READ MORE >>
Around the village and in the fields, many children perched on logs or stones to copy the letters of their new alphabet and to read the first-ever book in their language. READ MORE >>
In some areas in Eastern Europe where war has destroyed houses and roads, it has also ruined opportunities for children’s education.
Writers' workshops provide training for individuals interested in producing much-needed literacy materials for their own language communities.
Recognizing the importance of this cultural tradition, literacy workers encouraged children of the Huallaga Quechua of Peru to collect riddles.
In the Solomon Islands, literacy opportunities are expanding thanks to the hard work of Priscilla Maeniuta and the Literacy Association of Solomon Islands.
Access to education in your native language is usually taken for granted in western countries. In many parts of the world that access is either very limited or not available at all. This is especially true for some Deaf children in Southeast Asia.
