ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Minoritized language

Minoritized languages are languages that are spoken by a minority group of people in a region, country or even globally. These languages are often less well-known, less widely used, and less commonly taught than dominant or majority languages.

Imagine you are in a playground with lots of friends who all speak the same language, but you speak a different language. You may feel left out and have difficulty communicating with your playmates, which could make it hard for you to join in the fun.

The same thing can happen in countries, where one language may be more commonly spoken than others, making it difficult for those who speak a minoritized language to fully participate in society.

This is why it's important to preserve and promote minoritized languages, so that people who speak them can be fully included and make their voices heard. By learning and speaking multiple languages, we can better understand and appreciate different cultures, and work to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society.