Linguapax Asia took part in the 17th Ryukyu Heritage Language Society Conference, held from 21–22 March 2026 at the Miyara Community Center in Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture.

The conference brought together researchers, educators, language activists, and community members around the theme of Relational Accountability, expressed in the local phrase すいまとうまーずん (Suima tou mazun), meaning “together with the community.” Across two days, 17 presentations explored topics ranging from minority and endangered languages to language education, revitalization, and documentation.

The first day featured three plenary talks as well as research presentations by participants from Okinawa to Hokkaido, and internationally. Topics included, among others, Japanese Sign Language, regional languages in France, language reclamation and gender, and the history of language education in Okinawa.

The second day shifted focus to grassroots activism, highlighting creative approaches to language revitalization in classrooms and communities. Activities such as games, skits, video-making, as well as making picture books demonstrated practical ways to encourage the everyday use of language transmission. The conference concluded with a vibrant performance by the local dance troupe あやぱに (Ayapani).

Linguapax Asia contributed a presentation titled “22 Years of Linguapax Asia: Language for Peace and Collaboration.”Director Biba Jelisava Sethna and Sachiyo Fujita-Round shared key milestones from over two decades of work, including symposia, publications, educational initiatives, and international networking.

They also introduced a draft proposal for a joint conference in 2027 on “Transnational and Indigenous Identity in the Ryukyus and East Asia.” The presentation sparked strong interest, particularly around the role of language in promoting peace and the ways Linguapax Asia can support the preservation and revitalization of endangered languages. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Ryukyu Heritage Language Society in 2027.

Prepared by Biba Jelisava Sethna
24 March 2026