Learn about the distinctive characteristics of aynuitak, the Ainu language, and hear from the people of Biratori who are dedicated to ensuring its continued life, in a special talk event at Japan House London.
The Ainu language is in its own language family, a language isolate that is distinct from the Japanese language with a number of regional variations. Passed down by word of mouth over generations it has been central to the transmission of Ainu culture.
Ainu is today classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger with few fluent speakers, however in recent years revitalization activities by local communities have led to a resurgence of interest in the language.
This is particularly the case in the town of Biratori in Hokkaido where the Ainu culture advocateactivist and former Japanese National Diet Member Shigeru Kayano first opened an Ainu- language school in 1983, and where today the Ainu language is taught in the local primary school in Nibutani and announcements on local bus routes can be heard in the Ainu language.
During this event, Biratori-based Ainu language teachers and advocates Sekine Kenji and Sengoku Yuko discuss the current state of Ainu- language education in Biratori and introduce various initiatives for its revitalization.
The event also features a short presentation by Professor Julia Sallabank, Professor of Language Policy and Revitalisation at SOAS, University of London who reports on the outcomes of a closed workshop held earlier in the day bringing together Ainu- language advocates with representatives of regional and minority languages in the British Isles and enabling them to learn from each other’s activities and experiences.
The talk is a part of a programme of events connected with the exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 16 November 2023 until 21 April 2024.
Learn more about 'Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River' here: [ Ссылка ]
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