The Intangible Heritage Section, in close cooperation with the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), has launched an initiative to promote African languages. The main objectives of the project are: (i) to strengthen the national and regional institutional capacities for language preservation (at African universities, national research institutes and in regional institutions), (ii) to promote south-south and north-south cooperation in Sub-Saharan Africa, (iii) to foster the implementation of appropriate national language policies, which are so often disregarded due to the lack of resources and trained specialists and (iv) to raise awareness of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in view of its relevance for oral manifestations of the intangible heritage, and to promote a more active role of African experts in its implementation.

Sponsored by the Norwegian Government, the project is conducted in partnership with sub-Saharan African university departments and research institutions specializing in African languages. An initial expert meeting, organized in March 2006 in Bamako, Mali, brought together 50 linguists from 26 African countries and provided a platform for sharing experiences in research and fieldwork and promoting enhanced exchange and cooperation. A second meeting, which will focus on good practices in safeguarding endangered languages, is scheduled for end 2006 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Lead Organization / Sector / Office UNESCO Paris, CLT/CH/ITH

Start Date 2005-07-05 8:00 am

End Date 2005-07-05 8:00 am Redirection