21 May is UNESCO’s “World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development”. It is an opportunity to reflect on the values of cultural diversity and to learn how to better “live together”. Within the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Evolving Language, diversity is an essential pillar. As such, we are implementing measures to ensure full inclusion.
Studying the evolution of language means first and foremost embracing the diversity of languages, of living beings and of transdisciplinary approaches that surround it. With this in mind, the NCCR Evolving Language celebrates UNESCO’s “Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” and thus takes a stand for an inclusive academic environment and for the many aspects of identity diversity, be it cultural, ethnic, linguistic, social, or psychocognitive.
Today, more than ever, society is undergoing intense transformations that have a strong impact on its evolution and its future. Whether we think of the loss of linguistic diversity – and with it, the disappearance of whole cultures -, the challenge of data equity in the context of big data, or the importance of inclusiveness, which is struggling to find its place in society, the question of diversity is firmly anchored in the contemporary debate.
Thus, as shown in its rainbow logo, symbolizing the evolution of language, the diversity of languages and the multiple disciplines that make it up, Evolving Language is committed to promote and showcase diversity in all its facets. This is why, on April 1 this year, the consortium organised a first round table to open the discussion on the issues of gender identities, sexual orientation, and academic inclusiveness. Rather than focusing measures exclusively on minorities, Evolving Language also strives to sensitize everyone to the particularities of individual trajectories in the academic path.
At its level, the NCCR Evolving Language hopes to place the promotion of diversity – in all its dimensions – at the heart of scientific research. The aim is to provide a contemporary and resourceful view of the world around us and to provide some answers to this global problem.
