Reflections on the Protection and Inheritance of Local Culture by Teaching Endangered Languages ----Taking Patu as a Case Study

Abstract

Based on the current cases and measures that scholars and governments worldwide put forward, some endangered languages are gaining more and more attention and protection. However, others are remaining in challenge. Hence, finding proper solutions to regain its vitality and discover underlying cultural logic is becoming more and more primary. Under these circumstances, exploring endangered languagePatu, and how to protect it has been put forward in this paper. Analyzing the case of two specific education methods to protect Patu, which are drama and literature, drama can be considered as an oral education that can help local Macanese to acquire and communicate in Patu; literature is the written measure which Macanese can gain qualities of self-belonging and tolerance of differences. Education has an effective influence on endangered language protection. The statements have shown that language acquisition is closely intertwined with identification and culture ascription. It doesnt mean that language is an individual element in society. Instead, it always interacts and cooperates with the whole society. Saving endangered languages not only can keep certain languages but also can bring a positive reaction, which will be beneficial to maintain the vitality and diversity of local culture.