We often focus on science, technology, and policy when discussing sustainability. Language
remains underappreciated, even though it shapes our understanding of the world.
Early this year, I participated in a workshop reflecting upon how linguistic diversity can
contribute to the sustainability discourse. The workshop was a humbling insight into my lack
of reflection and, thus, lack of clarity on what I claim to be a lived experience. I could not
coherently express a thought. More urgently, I could neither determine immediate nor
gradual measures to enrich the dialogue.
Was this revelation a shared oversight, especially for those who have exclusively adopted a
second language for professional use?
Further reflection and many conversations with friends, family, and colleagues have led me
to write—to clarify, digest what has been discussed, expand on what has not been explored,
and graciously inform our thoughts.
The Obvious.
The dominance of particular variety of languages (linguistic hegemony) risks excluding
diverse approaches critical to addressing global social and environmental challenges.
Linguistic diversity unlocks a wealth of knowledge by exploring sustainability through the
lens of languages. It creates a comprehensive understanding of our shared journeys. It
affects our collective ability to envision and design a sustainable future.
If so obvious, why has this yet to be rectified?
What is being done to correct it? What more can we contribute?
What are the consequences of our inaction?
But first, (how) does linguistic diversity benefit the practice of sustainability?
Local languages are repositories of wisdom on sustainable practices unique to their specific
biomes. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), often overlooked in mainstream discourse,
intertwined with the culture. Many Indigenous languages are attuned to the
interconnectedness of things, with holistic sustainability approaches grounded in local
contexts. As some languages become extinct, we lose the appreciation of the intricate
balance of ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management.
Secondly, linguistic diversity fosters representative participation in sustainability discussions
and decision-making. The voices in the room most definitely shape the course of the
conversation – the breadth and depth of issues explored, and the viewpoints presented.
Unfortunately, fluency in dominant languages has cued whose voices are heard and whose
knowledge is valued in the global conversation. However, the local expertise and active
community involvement necessary in policy and research work in sustainability require a
deep understanding of context, not limited to access provided through local languages.
Finally, linguistic diversity unlocks conceptual richness that inspires novel frameworks,
creative problem-solving, and alternative futuring. Language affects our cognitive processes
- it shapes thought, influences perception, and molds our understanding of the world. The
influences thought (the weak version). Languages encode different ways of relating the
connection between human and nature. The metaphors and meanings embedded in other
languages can challenge dominant paradigms and make possible more multifaceted
approaches toward sustainability. Multilingualism facilitates cross-cultural interaction and
interdisciplinary collaboration.
Getting to Action. How can we use language to nurture innovative and locally relevant sustainable solutions?
Learn and use multiple languages. When relevant to region-specific sustainability
work, develop competencies in other languages. Communicate sustainability
concepts, where possible, in local languages. Higher education institutions and
organizations should also create multilingual sustainability resources.
Remember to adapt your communication methods to be more inclusive. Avoid jargon. Be concise, and use clear, straightforward language. Define terms as you
introduce them. The clue is often in knowing your audience and their level of
knowledge and experience with the topic. After all, effective communication ensures
that the audience comprehends the subject and its complexities, not just about the
speaker expressing their ideas.
Provide physical, sensory, and digital accessibility to fully engage the
audience. Employ a variety of mediums, such as text, images, video and other rich media features, to convey ideas across languages. Use symbols, pictures, and diagrams to illustrate complex concepts. Look at translation as a resource to bridge language barriers. Sign language interpreters, written transcripts, and user-friendly platforms facilitate access.
Volunteer your expertise in developing sustainability terminology within your
native language. Contribute to open projects that are creating multilingual sustainability resources and databases. Wikitongues' Lexicon submission form gathers vocabulary, like a dictionary or phrasebook, to document and preserve endangered languages. Volunteering platforms such as Idealist.org are one way to source such opportunities. TED Open Translation and Wikipedia Translation are crowdsourced projects to democratize access knowledge through breaking language barriers. Universities, linguistic research centers, and national or regional
environmental agencies might also have open calls. The wave of AI-powered translation and language analytics calls upon us all to collectively design and build tools with an inclusive lens. Being proactive about your inclusion and involvement benefits the collective.
Acknowledge borrowed knowledge from traditional sustainable practices, such
as through geographical indications of origin. The WIPO Treaty on Intellectual
Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge is a significant
milestone in legally protecting traditional knowledge and cultural expressions from
exploitation and ensuring equitable benefits-sharing when used in commerce. It
empowers indigenous communities to reclaim and own their cultural legacy.
Advocate for integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into international
environmental policy by promoting participatory research and creating more
representative forums of dialogue.
Raise awareness among younger generations about the importance of linguistic
and cultural heritage. Seek to teach and understand culture through active
participation. To preserve cultural narratives, Wikitongues documents and share oral
histories through events and digital recordings. UNESCO’s Indigenous Languages
Programme (2022-2032) supports revitalizing indigenous languages with initiatives
to increase the number of new language users (speakers and signers) and improve
language fluency. Develop technology-driven language learning platforms to support
learning and using minority and regional languages. The works of startups such as
Vambo AI | Multilingual Intelligence provides hope in this path.
Embrace diversity through cultural awareness and continuous learning to
enhance cognitive pluralism in ideation and problem-solving. Train on unconscious
bias, intercultural competence, and inclusive leadership. Training also aids sensitivity
to cultural nuances and adapting messaging. When word-for-word translation does
not suffice, aim to localize your communications. The Endangered Languages
Project is an online resource and a forum for advice and best practices for those
cognizant of the value of linguistic diversity. Our unexamined mental models thrive
when we limit our exposure to other ways of thinking. Proactively expand your
knowledge base to address biases and avoid echo chambers.
Seek and include underrepresented voices. Build a network of individuals from
various linguistic backgrounds to broaden your community and access to a range of
ideas and approaches. Interact across age groups, as each generation interprets
language and concepts differently. Champion cross-functional collaboration to blend
technical knowledge with cultural wisdom. Without intentionally including diverse
voices, sustainability conversations continue to amplify only specific viewpoints.
Check your assumptions. Challenge and question the norms, such as exclusionary
language policies. Proficiency in any one language does not mean expertise in global
sustainability. Instead, consider the depth of knowledge, lived experience, and insight
into the culture and contexts.
Our capacities to contribute vary with our situations, not limited to skills, resources,
networks, and positioning. Indeed, having different linguistic backgrounds may sometimes
lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. However, even when we share a common
natural language, words and tones can carry different connotations for other people—a
consequence of subcultures. Hence, fostering an environment that breeds open dialogue,
and respect provides a space where all voices can be heard and valued.
There is a hidden cost to the lack of linguistic diversity.
Language speaks to our values. Connecting to values builds trust and rapport. We are likely
to engage and take meaningful action when communications resonate with our values.
Research shows that bilingual individuals prefer ideas presented in their native language.
The knowledge-action gap in sustainability is partly due to the fact that discussions and
information typically operate in one or a few languages.
Top-down perspectives have dominated sustainability discourse and monopolized
knowledge creation. The language used to express technoscientific ideas often feels out of
touch with the communities in the global majority. Fixes that backfire, shifting the burden,
and other system archetypes exemplify the consequences of excluding communities when
developing solutions. Only when they express themselves authentically can their needs be
fully considered in pursuit of sustainable development.
The practice of context-based sustainability emphasizes localizing approaches. But how do
we genuinely understand local mindsets using foreign tools—i.e., language? Can we
decouple the influence of the ideas implied in the foreign tools when applying them in local
contexts? Despite historical lessons, the push for linguistic homogenization persists.
What does inclusive sustainability discourse mean to you, and how can you contribute to
creating effective and just sustainable solutions?
Further Information:
Next Energy Consumer. (2024, February 1). Workshop: “Beyond English: Navigating sustainability’s lingual divide.”
Retrieved from https://www.nextenergyconsumer.eu/2024/02/01/workshop-
Raymond, C. M., Heras, M., Esler, K. J., & Lieu, J. (2023). Communicating climate change and biodiversity loss with local populations: Exploring communicative utopias in eight transdisciplinary case studies.
UCL Open: Environment, 5(64). https://doi.org/10.14324/111.444/ucloe.000064
ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis – an overview. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/sapir-whorf-hypothesis
Van Vaerenbergh, Y., & Holmqvist, J. (2014).
Examining the relationship between language divergence and word-of-mouth intentions. Journal of Business Research, 67(9), 1601-1608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2013.09.008
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2024, May 24). WIPO member states adopt historic new treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
Zeng, J., & Yang, J. (2024). English language hegemony: Retrospect and prospect.
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(317). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02821-z