Launching the Script Keepers Network

1

I’ve been studying and trying to promote indigenous and minority writing systems for 15 years, and yet when I say “Endangered Alphabets” most people just look blank and confused. There is little interest in or funding for the study of writing systems, and even less for writing endangerment. Most colleges and universities don’t teach about it, and few non-profits and NGOs are involved. With all this in mind, I am pledging to create a global network of Script Keepers–that is, people all over the world who care about script preservation and revival.
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a global effort to recognize the importance of minority cultures and their scripts, and to introduce a new attitude in which they are regarded with respect as equals.
In a sense, the Script Keepers already exist, even if the name is new.*
Some focus on a single script, others will be interested in script revival in general.
They may be people who created scripts for their community–which happens more often than you think, and has happened at least 200 times in the past 150 years. They may be members of a community working to revive their traditional script. They may be linguists, librarians, translators, politicians, digitizers, calligraphers, font designers, UI/UX experts, civil servants, researchers, teachers, advocates, writers, documentarians, podcasters or producers. All those skills are vital in changing global attitudes and raising global awareness.
It took 25 years for the good people working in endangered languages to raise worldwide attention to their concerns. The Script Keepers have the advantage of walking in their footsteps, to some degree. We will start changing people’s awareness of the value and importance of minority scripts within twelve months.
At the moment, being a Script Keeper doesn’t involve any commitment of time, energy or money. The most valuable first step is simply to identify yourself so our network can grow and become, so to speak, self-aware.
We’re going to have our next meeting on Sunday, May 18th. I’m going to hold two Zoom sessions, to try to accommodate people in all time zones. The first will be at 09:00 Eastern (US) time; the second will be at 16:00 Eastern (US) time. I very much hope one of those windows works for you.

Sunday, May 18th, at 0900 and 1600 Eastern Time.

Script Keepers Network East

Script Keepers Network West
Remember: we’re inviting people who are requesting help with their endangered or emerging script, and people who want to help using their skills and experience, whatever that might be.

I hope to see you soon, and to discuss how we can do important things. And I would love it if you would consider donating to help cover the costs of developing the Script Keepers Network, which is currently operating on a zero budget….

 

Onwards!

 

Tim

 

*The name was coined by Hrant Papazian, a resolute and committed defender and proponent of the Armenian script, and of the right of all cultures to have their own written forms and traditions.

This post is sponsored by our friends at Typotheque.