In an era of globalization, we face rapid change, economic, social, political and cultural. Communications extend beyond borders into remote areas. The languages and cultures of minority groups are at risk of being lost. This threatens language and cultural diversity in the same way as biological diversity is threatened. Many linguists forecast that by the end of this century 90% of the world's 6,000 languages will have become extinct. International and national languages will remain.

However, many people still don't realize how seriously endangered the languages and cultures of ethnic groups are, and the loss of diversity will have on humanity. The crisis advances step by step towards a fragmented society, loss of confidence and instability. The first important thing to do is raise awareness and urgently seeks solutions. It means education and the method of revitalization and maintenance of endangered languages and cultures, especially synthesizing knowledge gained from experience and study of the revitalization of languages in South East Asia and Thailand. Currently most revitalization activities focus on languages where the economic, social, political and cultural environment is different. The Research Institute for Language and Culture of Asia has set up the Resource Center for Revitalization and Maintenance of Endangered Languages and Cultures in order to serve as center of education, study, and ideas exchange for revitalizing ethnic languages for local and foreign academics.

The main propose is to study and record languages and cultures through research and publication of dictionaries, folk tales and folk music.

The second propose is to coordinate with communities to hold activities for the revitalization of languages and cultures to raise awareness and interest. We hold practical conferences, training courses, and promote locally, nationally, and internationally, including advice on the study and revitalization of languages, editing folk tale books, and organizing local courses and community study centers.

Location:
2nd Floor, Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia 
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Language and Culture Building, Mahidol University

Service hours:
9.30 - 16.00 hrs.

Contact:
0-2800-2308-14 ext. 3115, 3218, 3215

Web site:
http://www.langrevival.mahidol.ac.th