[Draft?] Linguistic Protection Act

[Mizentia]

Linguistic Protection Act
A resolution to promote funding and the development of education and the arts.

Category: Education and Creativity
Area of Effect: Cultural Heritage
Proposed by: Mizentia

Description: The World Assembly,

UNDERSTANDING language is intimately entwined with cultural identity

SEEKING to protect the rich linguistic heritage and diversity of the world community

CONCERNED that every language which goes extinct is an irreplaceable cultural, anthropological, and informational loss

The World Assembly hereby;


PROHIBITS member states from enacting policies aimed at the eradication of any particular language or dialect

RECOMMENDS member states to publish signs, bulletins, and other public notices of the government in the language or dialect of the local inhabitants as well as the official language of administration, where applicable

DECLARES the World Assembly shall provide grants and other endowments to academies, universities, and other institutions of higher learning for the pursuit of the following research objectives:
- to take full account of the languages and dialects of the world, and to issue a regular reporting of languages deemed to be in threat of extinction
- to study and record the structure, syntax, and all other linguistic details of all the languages of the world, prioritizing this endeavor to emphasize languages most in danger of extinction
- to research extinct languages and endeavor to reconstruct their structure, syntax, etc.
- to endeavor, wherever a language is found to have no written or physical representation, to create a written system for representing the language in question

All the findings and results of WA-funded research and field work shall be stored in the WA Universal Library, as a safe, secure, and centralized database for the benefit of all future sapientkind.

SUGGESTS the endeavor of creating and disseminating a single, universal language for the consideration of all member states

I had this idea earlier and I typed it up real quick. This would be Education and Creativity, under Cultural Heritage.

Has anyone done this already? I didn't see any blockers but I'll check again.

[Jarish Inyo]

Been tried and failed. There is no reason for nations to let any language other then a nation's official language(s) be read, taught, or spoken within their borders. Also, this proposal would require any language that children make up to be studied and record the structure, syntax, and all other linguistic details of all the languages of the world, prioritizing this endeavor to emphasize languages most in danger of extinction

[Mizentia]

Been tried and failed. There is no reason for nations to let any language other then a nation's official language(s) be read, taught, or spoken within their borders. Also, this proposal would require any language that children make up to be studied and record the structure, syntax, and all other linguistic details of all the languages of the world, prioritizing this endeavor to emphasize languages most in danger of extinction

I don't think languages invented by children would really fit the definition but maybe I could just tighten it a little.

Absolutely you should be required to let other languages be read, taught, and spoken. There are no justifications I can think of that don't involve some sort of discriminatory, racist, or genocidal rationalization.

The last attempt failed because it was poorly written. This one will be different

[Jarish Inyo]

There are no reasons for nations to should be required to let other languages be read, taught, and spoken. Why should they have to have forms in multiple languages? Why should they need to have to have employees have to speak several languages so that they can do their jobs? Why should they cater to people that have come into their nation without learning the nations language? Why should they have to cater to others when their language is part of the nation's cultural identity? Why shouldn't a nation require that anyone living in their borders not speak and read the same language? Why should they not eliminate the expense of printing all their forms in multiple languages?

This proposal will do no better then the last one. This is not written any better. This will be no different. Nor do you make a convincing argument for allowing foreign languages to be used in other nations.

Languages go extinct for a reason. There is no reason to attempt to keep them going if no one speaks them. Nor is there any reason to resurrect extinct languages.

DEFINES for this purpose, a ‘language’ as a distinct organized and structured system of communication used to convey thoughts, feelings, or concepts within a group of people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition

Your definition of language would make any made up language official.

[Separatist Peoples]

Been tried and failed. There is no reason for nations to let any language other then a nation's official language(s) be read, taught, or spoken within their borders. Also, this proposal would require any language that children make up to be studied and record the structure, syntax, and all other linguistic details of all the languages of the world, prioritizing this endeavor to emphasize languages most in danger of extinction

I don't think languages invented by children would really fit the definition but maybe I could just tighten it a little.

Absolutely you should be required to let other languages be read, taught, and spoken. There are no justifications I can think of that don't involve some sort of discriminatory, racist, or genocidal rationalization.

The last attempt failed because it was poorly written. This one will be different

"Technically, Freedom of Expression already lets citizens speak in whatever language they want, contrary to what Ambassador Nameless says, but he does have a point about teaching and creating signage in other languages: the C.D.S.P. has zero intention of paying for signage in Bigtopian. Extra signage in extra languages is expensive and makes integration more difficult."

[Mizentia]

DEFINES for this purpose, a ‘language’ as a distinct organized and structured system of communication used to convey thoughts, feelings, or concepts within a group of people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition

Your definition of language would make any made up language official.

How? If you make up a language, it still doesn't count because there isn't a discrete group of people who speak it on the basis of some tangible identity factor like community, geography, or culture.

[Mizentia]

I don't think languages invented by children would really fit the definition but maybe I could just tighten it a little.

Absolutely you should be required to let other languages be read, taught, and spoken. There are no justifications I can think of that don't involve some sort of discriminatory, racist, or genocidal rationalization.

The last attempt failed because it was poorly written. This one will be different

"Technically, Freedom of Expression already lets citizens speak in whatever language they want, contrary to what Ambassador Nameless says, but he does have a point about teaching and creating signage in other languages: the C.D.S.P. has zero intention of paying for signage in Bigtopian. Extra signage in extra languages is expensive and makes integration more difficult."

It's just a suggestion; I do suggest it though!

Maybe not for those shady Bigtopians, however....

[Jarish Inyo]

Sure it counts. As you point out, all it takes is a group of people to speak the made up language. They would be of the same community and geography. Could also be of the same culture. Your definition allows for such things.

[Mizentia]

Sure it counts. As you point out, all it takes is a group of people to speak the made up language. They would be of the same community and geography. Could also be of the same culture. Your definition allows for such things.

If you invent a language, and a whole culture or community or geographic area of people all begin to speak that language, then isn't it for all intents and purposes a real language, as real as any other? All languages were made up at one point in time...

[Jarish Inyo]

You definition doesn't require an entire culture or community or geographic area of people to speak the made up language. It just requires a group. That includes children or a group of smart asses.

[Separatist Peoples]

Sure it counts. As you point out, all it takes is a group of people to speak the made up language. They would be of the same community and geography. Could also be of the same culture. Your definition allows for such things.

If you invent a language, and a whole culture or community or geographic area of people all begin to speak that language, then isn't it for all intents and purposes a real language, as real as any other? All languages were made up at one point in time...

"By that logic, the Jarish Inyoans would have to recognize Elvish, as there are individuals of an common ethnic background that read and speak it, and are a part of a multi-ethnic community that may speak it: Tolkien enthusiasts. Ambassador Nameless is correct: your current definition is flawed."

[Mizentia]

You definition doesn't require an entire culture or community or geographic area of people to speak the made up language. It just requires a group. That includes children or a group of smart asses.

group of people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition

The 'group of people' , by the wording of the sentence, is required to be a group within one of the above listed categories. The group of people may be of the same community or nation, or the group of people may be of the same geographical area, or the group of people may be of the same cultural tradition. If one of these three checks is not met, it isn't a language.

If you invent a language, and a whole culture or community or geographic area of people all begin to speak that language, then isn't it for all intents and purposes a real language, as real as any other? All languages were made up at one point in time...

"By that logic, the Jarish Inyoans would have to recognize Elvish, as there are individuals of an common ethnic background that read and speak it, and are a part of a multi-ethnic community that may speak it: Tolkien enthusiasts. Ambassador Nameless is correct: your current definition is flawed."

Are they really of the same community? I genuinely don't think they have a unifying identity that fits the definition I wrote. But I do understand the point

[The Union of Tentacles and Grapes]

You definition doesn't require an entire culture or community or geographic area of people to speak the made up language. It just requires a group. That includes children or a group of smart asses.

group of people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition

The 'group of people' , by the wording of the sentence, is required to be a group within one of the above listed categories. The group of people may be of the same community or nation, or the group of people may be of the same geographical area, or the group of people may be of the same cultural tradition. If one of these three checks is not met, it isn't a language.

"By that logic, the Jarish Inyoans would have to recognize Elvish, as there are individuals of an common ethnic background that read and speak it, and are a part of a multi-ethnic community that may speak it: Tolkien enthusiasts. Ambassador Nameless is correct: your current definition is flawed."

Are they really of the same community? I genuinely don't think they have a unifying identity that fits the definition I wrote. But I do understand the point

If the same ethnic background is required, then this proposal does absolutely nothing but baggage the world with doomed languages. There are no major languages restricted to single ethnicities - only tribal ones that will die as those tribes are assimilated into modern life or die off in rejection of technological progress. If Sindarin doesn't count as a language, neither does esperanto, and so neither does english. Same cultural definition is too inclusive or it means nothing. Two teens could get together and invent fartese and you'd be forced to preserve it.

Also, the Union will reject this proposal as we actively destroy languages, and you're trying to make it hard for us to create a single global language.

[Separatist Peoples]

"By that logic, the Jarish Inyoans would have to recognize Elvish, as there are individuals of an common ethnic background that read and speak it, and are a part of a multi-ethnic community that may speak it: Tolkien enthusiasts. Ambassador Nameless is correct: your current definition is flawed."

Are they really of the same community? I genuinely don't think they have a unifying identity that fits the definition I wrote. But I do understand the point

"As much as any diaspora would be considered a community, yes."

[Mizentia]

group of people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition

The 'group of people' , by the wording of the sentence, is required to be a group within one of the above listed categories. The group of people may be of the same community or nation, or the group of people may be of the same geographical area, or the group of people may be of the same cultural tradition. If one of these three checks is not met, it isn't a language.


Are they really of the same community? I genuinely don't think they have a unifying identity that fits the definition I wrote. But I do understand the point

If the same ethnic background is required, then this proposal does absolutely nothing but baggage the world with doomed languages. There are no major languages restricted to single ethnicities - only tribal ones that will die as those tribes are assimilated into modern life or die off in rejection of technological progress. If Sindarin doesn't count as a language, neither does esperanto, and so neither does english.

Also, the Union will reject this proposal as we actively destroy languages, and you're trying to make it hard for us to create a single global language.

Same ethnic background is one criteria of a few.

I just copied the tail end of the dictionary definition of a language. I understand where some of the confusion is coming from, but at the same time I don't. I feel like these three criteria are pretty agreeable as the necessary basis for a language.

I mean how would you fine ambassadors define a language?

[Jarish Inyo]

No, the'group of people' by wording of the sentence does not require to be a group within a community, geographical area, or cultural traditions. Atleast not until you tried to change it. Still doesn't stop made up languages from falling under this proposal.

Yes, Tolkien enthusiasts are of the same community. There are several communities similar out there. Believe it or not, according to your definition, my nation would have to recognize Elvish, Klingon, and Vulcan. Klingon even has or had a school to teach it.

[Mizentia]

No, the'group of people' by wording of the sentence does not require to be a group within a community, geographical area, or cultural traditions. Atleast not until you tried to change it. Still doesn't stop made up languages from falling under this proposal.

Yes, Tolkien enthusiasts are of the same community. There are several communities similar out there. Believe it or not, according to your definition, my nation would have to recognize Elvish, Klingon, and Vulcan. Klingon even has or had a school to teach it.

I think there might be some changes to work around this. I'll sleep on it and try tomorrow

[The Dark Star Republic]

OOC: You may want to look over Language Preservation and the debate on its repeal.

[Goddess Relief Office]

CHARGES the WALA with these duties
- to take full account of the languages and dialects of the world, and to issue a regular reporting of languages deemed to be in threat of extinction
- to study and record the structure, syntax, and all other linguistic details of all the languages of the world, prioritizing this endeavor to emphasize languages most in danger of extinction
- to research extinct languages and endeavor to reconstruct their structure, syntax, etc.
- to endeavor, wherever a language is found to have no written or physical representation, to create a written system for representing the language in question.

It's assumed that at least some of the tasks you listed are already being done by universities all over the NS-sphere. Just like in real life, university professors and students have been and will continue to study, translate, and document lost languages and publish them in academic journals which act as a central repository/report of sorts.

You would have to make a case for why the GA should duplicate or take over those tasks.

[The Dark Star Republic]

CHARGES the WALA with these duties
- to take full account of the languages and dialects of the world, and to issue a regular reporting of languages deemed to be in threat of extinction
- to study and record the structure, syntax, and all other linguistic details of all the languages of the world, prioritizing this endeavor to emphasize languages most in danger of extinction
- to research extinct languages and endeavor to reconstruct their structure, syntax, etc.
- to endeavor, wherever a language is found to have no written or physical representation, to create a written system for representing the language in question.

It's assumed that at least some of the tasks you listed are already being done by universities all over the NS-sphere. Just like in real life, university professors and students have been and will continue to study, translate, and document lost languages and publish them in academic journals which act as a central repository/report of sorts.

You would have to make a case for why the GA should duplicate or take over those tasks.

OOC: Because those real universities might be subject to closure or prone to loss or ruin? Whereas the WA's Universal Library would be a safe, timeless resource. Any proposal on this subject would do well to make use of the Universal Library as a resource store, rather than getting the WA into the historical linguistics game, which I agree, would be pretty pointless. Defwa's recurrent ideas about cultural protection also apply here: destroying a language is as damaging as destroying an artifact.

[Mizentia]

I took some of both your ideas; I switched the focus on the research and field work to universities and other research institutions, but I added a clause so that all the findings will be stored in the WA Universal Library as a safe and centralized place for everyone to use

[The Union of Tentacles and Grapes]

I took some of both your ideas; I switched the focus on the research and field work to universities and other research institutions, but I added a clause so that all the findings will be stored in the WA Universal Library as a safe and centralized place for everyone to use

The Union still finds this unacceptable. The draft enforces protections on all languages regardless of any context for their loss or possible usage in the future. If this was passed, the WALF would be forced to complete the grammar and syntax of all elvish languages. It would also prevent the extermination of languages, which would make unification under a single global language impossible.

[Separatist Peoples]

I took some of both your ideas; I switched the focus on the research and field work to universities and other research institutions, but I added a clause so that all the findings will be stored in the WA Universal Library as a safe and centralized place for everyone to use

The Union still finds this unacceptable. The draft enforces protections on all languages regardless of any context for their loss or possible usage in the future. If this was passed, the WALF would be forced to complete the grammar and syntax of all elvish languages. It would also prevent the extermination of languages, which would make unification under a single global language impossible.

"Ambassador, unification under a single language is possible without eradicating other languages. Its called multi-lingualism. Besides, you assume nations even want to be so unified. The C.D.S.P. will not, now or ever, conform to a single-world language. The world can conform to us."

[Mizentia]

I took some of both your ideas; I switched the focus on the research and field work to universities and other research institutions, but I added a clause so that all the findings will be stored in the WA Universal Library as a safe and centralized place for everyone to use

The Union still finds this unacceptable. The draft enforces protections on all languages regardless of any context for their loss or possible usage in the future. If this was passed, the WALF would be forced to complete the grammar and syntax of all elvish languages. It would also prevent the extermination of languages, which would make unification under a single global language impossible.

I'm sorry but I think if you advocate destroying languages then this may not be the resolution for you.

I think as written this bill protects IC elvish, as spoken by elvish member states and minorities and the like, yes, absolutely. I really don't think it mandates protection of Tolkien-y fantasy languages but several people now have repeatedly insisted it does so I don't know anymore

[Bears Armed]

OOC: And if 'Star Trek' fandom counts as a cultural tradition then even in RL there's also Klingon'.

^_^