Language suppression and why it rarely works

Content note: This article contains some history of language suppression and can be upsetting for some

When asked what's the sexiest language in the world, people often reply with languages they find appealing to the ear. But much like humans, 'sexiness' in a language shouldn't be assessed simply with its sensory value. In my book, at least, the sexiest language is also one that rejects extinction. One that can take the test of time, despite having been suppressed.

There are many suppressed languages in history, and even more humanitarian lessons learned about their survival. Surprisingly, schools don't talk about them often enough.

The most common reason for language suppression is usually political, and it is quite unfortunately a worldwide (and even still, a modern) phenomenon. As languages are so closely tied to identity, forces of power would exercise laws against the use of objects' native languages in an attempt to have them let go of their original identities and assimilate more quickly to the target (oppressors') culture.

Language Suppression: Putting a Band-Aid to Hole in the Water-filled Tank

But language suppression never truly works, of course. Fear of the authorities and pressure to comply may have a short-term effect on the frequency of a language's use: prestige for a language may be lowered, and the passing of a language across generations may be limited. A suppressed language may be put aside in favour of stronger languages, for economic and social advancement.

Tireless, unwavering, and standing by principle, suppressed languages that survive through resilience are truthfully, and quite undeniably, the sexiest.

But in the longer term, human resilience usually steers the wheel of language preservation, and suppression rarely can fully eradicate a language. Underground use, emotional resistance, and strong revitalisation efforts after the decline of an oppressing power often resurrect a buried language.

Tireless, unwavering, and standing by principle, suppressed languages that survive through resilience are truthfully, and quite undeniably, the sexiest.