United Nations General Assembly Proclaims 2008 International Year of Languages [link]

In light of this I would like to propose a little DA project. DA is an international community in addition to being an art community. So why not help promote the International Year of Languages right here?

The Project
At least one time during 2008 create a deviation that promotes a language or culture other than your own.

Guidelines (call them rules if you like)

1. Deviation type is not limited, it can be a news article, drawing, painting, photo, poem, sculpture, whatever you like- just as long as it promotes a language or culture other than your own.

2. If you choose English please limit your deviation to an uncommon regional dialect or little known custom. (The purpose of the UN proposal is to promote the use of its official languages other than English. However since for many deviants English is a second language I don't think it would be entirely fair to exclude it altogether. On the other hand this is meant to be educational, and mainstream English language and culture is already very familiar world-wide. So be creative!)

3. Keep it positive and educational. Humor is allowed but please don't be insulting or negative. (no hate propaganda, no cultural elitism, no stereotyping)

4. Explain the language or culture you are promoting in the comments of your deviation and link back to this news article (or my journal where this will also be posted)so that other deviants can get involved.

5. Please don't oversimplify. Travel photos of the Taj Mahal or pictures of some guy just standing around in Lederhosen will not suffice. Be original- the deviation should promote something about a language, dialect, custom, cultural practice, or holiday.

6. Send me a link to your deviation (optional but would be nice) and I will feature everything I am sent (as long as the guidelines have been followed) in my journal throughout the year.

7. Have fun and be creative! And have a happy New Year!!!!!!