Indigenous practitioners work with UNESCO to revitalize languages

Documenting and safeguarding languages is essential to ensure that the knowledge, histories and cultural practices they carry remain accessible to future generations and to promote linguistic diversity.

For Gracelyn Ay-yawan Buyagan, a lecturer and researcher from the Cordillera region of the Philippines, this work begins with understanding the role language plays in preserving cultural memory and identity. A proud member of the Igorot Peoples and a speaker of Northern Kankanaey, she has combined her interests in language, education and cultural heritage through her teaching and research.

During her traineeship, Gracelyn found new inspiration in UNESCO's holistic approach to language, culture and inclusion.