Are Languages Going Extinct? And How Can We Preserve Them?
Introduction
Language is more than a tool for communication—it’s a mirror of culture, a vessel for history, and a cornerstone of identity. Yet today, the world is facing a quiet crisis: the extinction of languages. As globalization accelerates and dominant world languages gain prevalence in education, media, and technology, hundreds of lesser-known languages are disappearing—some without leaving a trace.
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What Does “Language Extinction” Mean?
A language is considered extinct when the last native speaker dies or stops using it, and it is no longer passed on to future generations. According to UNESCO, there are over 7,000 living languages in the world today, but more than 40% are at risk of extinction.
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Causes of Language Extinction
1. Globalization and Linguistic Dominance
Global languages like English, Mandarin, and Spanish often overshadow local ones, making them less used and less valued.
2. Migration and Cultural Assimilation
Families who move to new countries often adopt the dominant language, leading to the neglect of their mother tongue.
3. Negative Perceptions
Some languages are viewed as “useless” or “backward,” prompting younger generations to abandon them.
4. Educational and Policy Neglect
The absence of mother-tongue education in schools weakens the role of native languages in daily life.
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Why Should We Care About Language Extinction?
• Language is Identity and Culture
Each language carries unique stories, expressions, and worldviews that can’t be fully translated.
• Linguistic Diversity = Intellectual Diversity
Languages shape how people think and see the world. Losing them means losing ways of understanding life.
• Loss of Knowledge
Many traditional knowledge systems, such as herbal medicine or oral history, are encoded in specific languages. Losing the language often means losing that wisdom.
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How Can We Preserve Endangered Languages?
1. Documentation and Recording
Record native speakers’ vocabulary, grammar, and stories in written or digital form to create archives.
2. Reviving Through Education
Teaching endangered languages in schools or as electives helps pass them on to younger generations.
3. Encouraging Daily Use
Promoting the use of endangered languages in music, media, and social platforms strengthens their relevance.
4. Supporting Native Communities
Grants and cultural programs empower communities to maintain and teach their language.
5. Using Technology as a Lifeline
Apps, websites, and digital resources can make learning and practicing endangered languages easier and more accessible.
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Inspiring Examples
• The Māori Language in New Zealand: Once near extinction, it has been revitalized through education policies and widespread media use.
• Cornish in the UK: Officially extinct, but brought back to life through local efforts involving music, drama, and education