ABSTRACT
UNESCO proclaimed the 2022-2032 decade as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages with the aim of reflecting on the threats against indigenous languages. Also, the Decade will propose actions at national and international levels, for the promotion and strengthening of these languages. In Brazil, working groups were created, which bring together indigenous and non-indigenous people, for the reflection and discussion of actions to be implemented. Considering the many challenges that will be faced in the construction of this Decade, this article aims to reflect on some contributions of Applied Linguistics to the research and study of the languages spoken by indigenous peoples. Eurocentric and essentialist concepts such as ethics, language and bilingualism are problematized. The proposed focus on the languages in use allows us to contemplate the distinct and complex sociolinguistic realities of Brazilian indigenous peoples. Furthermore, the prerogative of indigenous peoples to have their voices heard, through their own research, carried out through their own epistemes and methodologies, is encouraged and emphasized.
Keywords:
International Decade of Indigenous Languages; Applied Linguistics; Languages in use; Indigenous People.