In November, I had the incredible honor of attending the Polyglot Conference in Valletta, Malta, as a speaker. My talk focused on a topic close to my heart: the preservation and revitalization of minority languages. The experience was both inspiring and humbling, and I’m thrilled to share some reflections with you.
Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provided a stunning setting for the conference. The city’s rich history and cultural vibrancy mirrored the conference’s theme of celebrating linguistic diversity. The conference was held at La Phoenicia Malta, a landmark hotel that seamlessly blends classic Maltese architecture with modern elegance. Nestled near the gates of Valletta, La Phoenicia provided a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal location to celebrate linguistic diversity. Its beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning views of the city added an extra layer of charm to the event.
As I stepped onto the stage, I felt a surge of nervous excitement. My talk, titled “Voices of Heritage: the Role of Language in Preserving Culture & Identity,” delved into the challenges and opportunities in preserving languages, including Tujia, a language spoken by fewer than 100,000 people today. I shared stories of Tujia elders who have kept the language alive through songs and oral traditions, as well as the efforts of younger generations using technology to document and teach the language. Additionally, I also helped shine a spotlight upon Singlish, Singapore’s own creole language which I’ve been advocating for as a vehicle to enhance social unity and cohesion!
I also highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives and how linguistic preservation can foster a sense of identity and pride among Tujia speakers. The audience’s engagement during the Q&A session was heartening, with many asking about how similar strategies could be applied to their own endangered languages.
Beyond my own presentation, the conference was a treasure trove of learning. I attended sessions on everything from technology in language learning to endangered languages in the Americas. One particularly impactful session was on the use of virtual reality in language immersion — a tool I’m now considering for future language projects.
The conference also provided a platform to meet other language enthusiasts and activists. I had the pleasure of connecting with a linguist from New Zealand working on the revitalization of Te Reo Māori, and we exchanged ideas on how to engage youth in language preservation efforts. These conversations reminded me that while our languages may differ, our challenges and goals are often strikingly similar.
Of course, no trip to Valletta would be complete without exploring its streets, which seemed to whisper stories of the past. From the bustling Merchant Street Market to the serene Upper Barrakka Gardens, every corner of the city offered inspiration. I was particularly fascinated by Malta’s own linguistic history, including the development of the Maltese language, a unique blend of Arabic, Italian, and English influences.
Attending the Polyglot Conference Valletta reinforced my commitment to Tujia language preservation. I returned home with fresh ideas, from creating a digital archive of Tujia stories to collaborating with other minority language advocates on global campaigns. Most importantly, I’m reminded that every small step we take to preserve a language contributes to the larger tapestry of human culture. I’d also like to take a moment to mention the efforts we’ve done to teach people about Singlish and extend its influence not only to advertisements, or to be considered an “informal” language, but also to really recognise it as one of the cornerstones of the Singaporean identity.
To my fellow language enthusiasts and advocates: let’s continue to celebrate and protect the world’s linguistic diversity. Together, we can ensure that even the smallest voices are heard and cherished.
Thank you, Valletta, for the memories, the inspiration, and the renewed sense of purpose. I can’t wait to see where the journey of language preservation takes us next!
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