ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on linguistic genocide or attempts to commit linguistic genocide in relation to ITMs where ITM refers to Indigenous/Tribal peoples, Minorities (autochthonous, national, the Deaf, immigrant, refugee, asylum seeker), and minoritized groups/populations/people. It presents the concept of genocide in international law. The chapter discusses some misconceptions of and ignorance about the Genocide Convention and difference between genocide and crimes against humanity from a historical point of view. For instance, teachers or pre-school teachers participating in linguistic genocide may as individuals be nice, and wish to do the best they can for an ITM child – and yet, an education that completely excludes the children’s (or their parents’) mother tongues. This type of education obviously attempts to forcibly transfer the children to the dominant group. Finally, the chapter reconnects the discussions to education and the need for revitalization and reclaiming of Indigenous languages and cultures.
