AIOU and FLI Join Forces to Safeguard Endangered Languages in Pakistan
— December 24, 2024
ISLAMABAD ( AIA ) In a landmark move, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and the Forum for Language Initiatives (FLI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to protect endangered languages in Pakistan. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, was presided over by Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at AIOU.
The MoU, signed by Registrar AIOU Raja Umar Yunus and Executive Director FLI Fakhruddin Akhunzada, aims to facilitate research, educational services, and training programs for teachers and students. This partnership will enable AIOU to tap into FLI’s expertise in language preservation, while providing a platform for students to enhance their professional skills.
Professor Dr. Sahir emphasized the urgent need for practical steps to protect endangered languages in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage. He lauded the AIOU English Department’s efforts and stated that all university departments would benefit from this initiative.
The collaboration will also involve joint research projects, seminars, and conferences, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building. Dr. Muhammad Kamal Khan, Chairman of the English Department at AIOU, briefed attendees on the objectives and future action plan of the MoU.
This partnership is particularly significant, given the global context. According to the United Nations, more than half of the world’s languages are at risk of disappearing by the end of the 21st century. The UN has launched the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, a ten-year plan to preserve and promote endangered languages worldwide.
With this MoU, AIOU and FLI have taken a crucial step towards preserving Pakistan’s linguistic diversity, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural heritage is protected for future generations.