THE INTERCONNECTION AND RELEVANCE OF LANGUAGE WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55640/Keywords:
Sustainable Development Goals, the role of language, linguistic diversity, inclusive communication, Uzbekistan.Abstract
This article scientifically analyzes the interconnection and relevance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) agenda and language. Language affects all 17 SDGs not only as a means of communication, but also as a key factor in culture, knowledge and social change. Based on the Sapir-Whorf theory and the functions of language (according to Leech), it is shown how language contributes to goals such as education (SDG-4), equality (SDG-5,10), climate change (SDG-13) and global cooperation (SDG-17). The methodology used is a systematic literature review of more than 50 scientific sources (Scopus, Web of Science and UN reports) for the period 2015–2025. The results show that linguistic diversity and inclusive communication serve as important barriers or catalysts for the implementation of the SDGs. In the context of Uzbekistan, national language policies and multilingualism are relevant in ensuring the local adaptation of the SDGs. The discussion proposed naming the language “SDG-18: Communication for All”.
References
1 United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
2 McLeod, S. et al. (2023). Communication for all and the Sustainable Development Goals. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.
3 Rada, E. (2022). Language-based approach in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. BEDAN Journal.
4 Cordova, M. (2024). Integrating sustainable development goals in English language teaching. Frontiers in Education.
5 UNDP Uzbekistan. (2025). Uzbekistan Sustainable Development Report.
6 Djité, P. (2008). The Sociolinguistics of Development.
7 UNESCO. (2023). Global Report on Linguistic Diversity.
8 Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2025). National BRM Strategy.
9 Leech, G. (1983). Principles of Pragmatics (language functions).
10 UN Uzbekistan. (2025). BRM is a national indicator
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