In spring 2008, the program “Sorosoro, so that the languages of the world may prosper!” was launched after the inauguration of the Fondation Chirac, main contributor of the program.

These first Sorosoro meetings about endangered languages brought many lessons and emotions.

Several well-known people for their implication promoting cultural diversity first explained their attachment to the preservation of indigenous languages: Rigoberta Menchu Tum, winner of the 1992 Nobel Peace Price, member of the Fondation Chirac honored committee, and Erik Orsenna, member of the Académie française and Prix Goncourt.

Rozenn Milin, director of the Sorosoro program, had invited foreground linguists, from very different countries like Vanuatu, Guatemala, Gabon or Great Britain. After a presentation on linguistic diversity issues, globally and regionally, they spoke a lot with the audience, in presence of President Jacques Chirac, who provided the concluding remarks of the day.

Download the program of the meetings

Watch videos of the Sorosoro meetings in June 2009