Voices not forgotten:
Indigenous languages in North carolina
North Carolina is home to more than 100 different languages, including around 30 Native American and Indigenous heritage languages and over 100 immigrant languages from around the globe. Currently an estimated 1.5 million residents speak a language other than English at home.
This project explores the linguistic diversity of North Carolina through interviews with people from various backgrounds, including Guatemalan immigrants and Native American communities who speak Indigenous languages. Although some of these languages originated outside North Carolina, they contribute to the state’s cultural diversity and reflect the many communities that call it home. The interviews highlight the importance of preserving language and culture, while my own experience learning a language has shown me that language is more than communication—it connects people to their culture, identity, and heritage. Overall, this project demonstrates the value of recognizing and celebrating linguistic diversity in North Carolina.
Voicesnotforgotten 