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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The observance of International Mother Language Day |
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on February 21, 2019, provides an opportunity to celebrate cultural |
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and linguistic diversity; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1999, the United Nations Educational, Scientific |
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and Cultural Organization established International Mother |
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Language Day to support the preservation of differences in cultures |
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and languages and to encourage greater awareness of multilingualism |
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as an important resource; and |
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WHEREAS, Languages carry complex implications for identity, |
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social integration, and development, as well as communication and |
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learning; they are powerful instruments for maintaining tangible |
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and intangible heritage, but of the estimated 6,000 languages |
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spoken in the world, at least 43 percent are endangered by |
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globalization; and |
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WHEREAS, Only a few hundred languages have been allotted a |
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genuine place in educational systems and the public domain, and |
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under 100 are used in the digital world; furthermore, 40 percent of |
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all people lack access to an education in a language they speak or |
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understand; and |
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WHEREAS, When languages disappear, the world loses |
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traditions, memories, and unique modes of thinking and expression, |
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but by valuing and preserving linguistic diversity, humankind not |
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only saves irreplaceable cultural resources, but also inspires |
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solidarity based on understanding, tolerance, and dialogue; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2019, as International |
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Mother Language Day. |