Ayah Maskoun
Research Mentor: Kelly Askew
Mentor Department: Anthropology, LSA
Author(s): Not Available
Session: Session 4 (1:00 PM – 1:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 64
Abstract
While some research has been done on the Nubians, an Indigenous group with a long and influential history based in Egypt and Sudan, there is not much research regarding the effects of their displacement on their cultural preservation today. More specifically, there is very little research regarding the Nubian language, as a very limited number of elder community members speak the language. Language of course is a vital part of life and identity, and is essential in passing down cultural practices and customs. The Nubian language is also particular as the alphabet uses a unique scripture, meaning those seeking to learn it must resort to oral history or newer efforts to utilize online resources. Accessibility to language resources is difficult as Arabic is the primary language used in all professional settings. By utilizing primary and secondary sources from Indigenous Nubians and historians, this study offers a comprehensive and detailed research report of violations of the Indigenous population’s language rights. The largely detrimental effect of governmental policies, including forced relocation and banning the Nubian language from being taught in schools, is evidenced by the loss of language in young generations. The case study is one of many presented to the United Nations in efforts to promote justice for Indigenous populations and report violations of their legal rights, as is the case for the Egyptian Nubians.
