ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Indigenous language

Indigenous languages are languages that have been spoken by the people who have lived in a place for thousands of years. They are the very first languages that were spoken in a particular area or region. For instance, in America, the Navajo language is spoken by people who have lived in the region for centuries.

Indigenous languages are different from other languages, which have been introduced to a place via migration, trade, or colonization. They are often unique and have their own grammar and vocabulary. Sometimes, they are so different from other languages that people might have trouble learning them.

However, many indigenous languages are facing the risk of disappearing. This is because, over time, more people have migrated to the region or have adopted other languages. As a result, the younger people in these communities don't always speak their native language.

To help preserve these languages, there are programs that teach people how to speak them. These programs help people learn indigenous languages and pass them on to future generations. This is important because indigenous languages are part of a community’s culture and identity. They are essential in maintaining traditions, stories, and relationships with the land. By preserving these languages, we can keep a part of history and culture alive for centuries to come.