Creating “Romeyka, Timeless.”, the twenty-minute documentary produced on Romeyka was a journey exploring connection and diversity. The documentary discusses powerful topics of language, culture, and diversity through examining the minority language in Turkey while paralleling a broader message for endangered languages and global inclusivity. From exploring the history and context of the language, the factors influencing its past, present, and future, and dynamics in society and identity, it touches on broader relevant topics to bring awareness. It is a collaborative project, highlighting the voices of speakers in the community and expert academic scholars,
Speaking with the Romeyka community, I heard stories that changed how I viewed language and the role of society and history. The experiences of these speakers were powerful. They faced many forms of hardship. These stories encompassed the trauma of being ousted, villainized, and violently hated from eras of war to being told they were made incapable, lesser for being speakers of other languages. Romeyka was forbidden in schools and flattened with other languages. From conflicting dynamics with feeling at home and in love to shame and resentment with their own language, these views were deep and took a vast range. It brings an awareness and presence to these communities.
Discussions with expert linguistics further expanded the understanding of language. These researchers described the evolution of language, the value and knowledge embedded within it, and its mutual interplay with society. They explain how languages come to become the way they are today and how they can change. With additional research, the documentary presents insightful epiphanies and an educative experience. Furthermore, with an exploration of society and politics, it includes a criticism of language policy and explores progress in the systemic factors of language endangerment.
Bringing together these various views, the documentary opens a discussion and path for change from every individual, expanding beyond Romeyka and into the very interactions and perspectives we all hold that hold power in inclusivity. It reveals just how important our role is in truly affecting the very diversity and creativity of humanity which holds the key to solving the world’s greatest problems.
Through producing the documentary, I got to be invited to see the customs of these cultures, from lifestyles and music to geography and family. With each person I spoke to, I was introduced to a greater range of connections and excitement. Being a part of this, being able to see their joys and pains and hope as I learned, left a strong influence and inspiration in me.