Language-based approach in achieving Sustainable Development Goals: A qualitative meta-analysis

Abstract

Scholars of language believe that where there is no language there is no development, thus language is pivotal in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study aims to explore a language-based approach to the achievement of SDGs. Studies and reports describe language theories such as Edward Sapir-Benjamin Lee Whorf Linguistic Determinism Theory, Geoffery Leech’s five characteristics of language, Lev Vygotsky Developmental Theory, Jim Cummins Principles of Language – Basic Interpersonal Skills/Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency and other relevant linguistic concepts vis-à-vis sustainability goals and enumerate how the SDGs can be translated into a plan of action through the language-based approach. Specifically, the study focuses on Goal 3- Good health and wellbeing, Goal 4 - Quality education, Goal 16 - Peace, justice, and strong institutions, and Goal 17 - Partnership for the goal. Qualitative meta-analysis was employed using a five-step synthesis approach: 1) Exploring the field and defining research questions 2) search, selection, and appraisal of studies (sampling procedure) 3) data extraction 4) aggregation and 5) synthesis to analyze data from reports, symposiums, and studies as the main sources of data. In the iterative analyses, aggregates of concepts were identified: 1) language 2) language users 3) inclusiveness, equality, and sustainability 4) Sustainable Development Goals and language-based approaches. Other concepts were extracted from data such as diversity of language, language and culture, multilingualism, plurilingualism, multiculturalism, multilingualism, mother tongue-based multilingual education, literacy and reading skills, communication disabilities, minority vs. dominant languages, language loss and language maintenance, rights language to health care, inclusivity, vulnerability, diversity, equality, global citizenship, transparency and integrity, nationalism, national unity and collective identity and their centrality in the development, implementation, and successful completion of the SDGs.