Unfiltered

The unique power of language to preserve culture and forge connections.

Words: MICHELLE ALLEN

Languages are gateways to culture, identity and belonging. They also often signal your arrival in unfamiliar territory. The melodic cadence of foreign words slipping from the lips of locals as they cast curious glances your way, trying to discern your origin. The shared chuckle over words that carry different, sometimes mischievous meanings. The frustration of being lost in translation, grappling with gestures and facial expressions for clues.

There’s often a thrill in deciphering the nuances, piecing together fragments of a conversation, each new word learned unlocking doors to deeper connections.

As we hurtle forward, driven by technological advancements, globalisation and cultural shifts, languages are facing a stark reality: around 1500 of them are predicted to vanish within the next century.

In various parts of the world, lesser-known languages such as Cornish in the United Kingdom, Mopán in Guatemala and Belize, and Udi in the Caucasus region are facing the threat of extinction, their once vibrant voices fading into obscurity.

The world of languages is incredibly diverse and intricate, with more than 7,000 weaving across continents and cultures. Mandarin Chinese holds the title for the most-spoken language, with over a billion native speakers primarily in China and significant communities in other parts of Asia and beyond. Other regions are astounding treasure troves of linguistic diversity, boasting a kaleidoscope of dialects and some of the oldest languages known to humanity.

The Himalayas

The Himalayan region, spanning Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India, is home to some of the world's most linguistically diverse countries. Among the roughly 600 languages found here, Nepali, Tibetan, Ladakhi, Sherpa, Tamang and Gurung are among the most widely spoken.

In Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by verdant hills and towering peaks, a constellation of centuries-old temples – about 3000 of them – stand as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Nepali, the official language, serves as a unifying force, spoken by the majority of the population; but a myriad of other languages intermingle, reflecting the array of cultures that have flourished here over millennia.

The towns of Madhyapur Thimi and Bhaktapur are strewn with architecture and art crafted by the skilled hands of the Newars, one of Nepal’s largest ethnic groups. Despite the passage of time, the Newars still proudly uphold their original language – Nepal Bhasa, which has evolved into a rich concoction of dialects.

The country’s colourful festivals and ceremonies are distinguished by traditional melodies speckled with Newari lyrics. Travellers visiting between August and June are treated to an abundance of celebrations often marked by religious holidays and the harvest cycle. Among these, Gunhu Punh sees masked dramas known as daboo pyakhan and seasonal music take centre stage, serving as vivid mediums to tell religious narratives.

Journeying through the peaks of India's Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, where Rishikesh stands as the gateway to the Himalayas, you’ll often find yourself enveloped in the melodic tones of Garhwali conversations, despite Hindi being the official language. Passed across generations, Garhwali transcends mere language; it’s an emotion.

Its melodious cadences resonate through the valleys, weaving tales of heroism and love. Historically abundant in poetry and prose that encapsulate mountain life, Garhwali has recently surged in popularity, thanks to mainstream folk singers who have brought it to wider audiences. Throughout the day, the resonant toll of ghantas, or ritual bells, summons locals to gather at temples and ashrams along the revered Ganges River. Once quiet streets stir to life with ancient Sanskrit chants, usually reserved for religious ceremonies, resonating through the serene surroundings.

The Amazon

Encompassing vast swathes of northwestern Brazil, and extending into Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador and neighbouring countries, the Amazon region is inhabited by approximately 400 indigenous groups, collectively speaking around 300 distinct languages.

Bora, Brazil's most commonly spoken indigenous language, is tonal. In thick rainforest, drumbeats echo through hanging vines from many kilometres away. Understood within and between communities, the drummed variation of Bora mirrors the tonal nuances of the spoken language. This rhythmic version captures the essence of spoken dialects, replicating the melodies and cadence of words and sentences.

At the heart of this tradition is the manguaré drum, crafted from the sacred shihuahuaco tree. Comprising of two drums, it is revered not only as a musical instrument, but as an ancestor. While there are numerous tales surrounding its origin, it is believed to be one of the first creations of the Bora people and deeply attuned to the happenings of the Amazon. Today manguaré drums are not only for communication but also for music and as a teaching tool, ensuring their enduring legacy.

The Arctic

The sparse Arctic landscape is home to numerous indigenous communities and supports a remarkable linguistic diversity, with around 90 distinct languages spoken across its vast territory.

In the far reaches of the Sápmi regions of Sweden, Norway and Finland, the Sámi people have thrived for more than ten thousand years. Across these expansive and unforgiving landscapes, the Sámi are renowned for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, primarily centred around reindeer herding and coastal fishing. These livelihoods are deeply intertwined with traditional customs and language, the Sámi boasting a rich vocabulary that includes around 300 distinct terms for snow and ice, reflecting the diverse conditions of their environment. Another six specific words describe the movements and behaviours of wandering reindeer, further illustrating their intimate connection with the natural world.

There are nine Sámi languages, one without a written standard and spoken by few elders. Younger Sámi are working to revive their heritage by learning their ancestral tongue, aided by policies such as Norway’s recognition of Sámi as an official language.

Sailing across the Norwegian Sea brings you to Iceland, ‘the land of fire and ice’. This island nation is rich in linguistic history, preserving the closest language to Old Norse from the Viking era. While languages in other Scandinavian countries evolved into modern Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, Icelanders maintained Old Norse variations through texts like the Sagas of Icelanders, which are still understood by many today.

In Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, exploring the main shopping district of Laugavegur you may notice pronunciation variations across generations. Although due to geographic isolation, the Icelandic language has seen minimal evolution. Traditional naming practices for newborns and the use of Old Icelandic terms for new technologies remain unchanged, preserving Icelandic identity for the future.

Local connections

There are many ways you can gain a deeper understanding of local communities on your next trip.

Costa Rica

Stay amid 740 acres of primary rainforest at Pacuare Lodge. Staff come from the local Indigenous community, offering a unique glimpse into local culture, while the lodge provides longterm economic benefit and supports sustainable tourism and conservation.

Armenia

An invitation awaits for lunch at a local’s home where you’ll learn to make lavash and other Armenian specialities – as well as practising a few words of Armenian, a language with its own alphabet dating back millennia.

Sweden

Explore Swedish Lapland and learn about Sámi culture during a stay at Sapmi Nature Camp, run by a team passionate about sharing their knowledge of Sámi life, both past and present.

Speak to a Travel Designer to start planning.