Endangered Languages

In her article Katherine (Year 8) addresses the problems of endangered languages; why languages might become extinct and what we can do to address this.

There are 3 types of languages – dead, extinct, and modern. These different forms of languages determine whether a language is still in use, has no living native speakers or has been forgotten.

So, what is a dead language?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. For many a language dies when it is no longer spoken. A language can be classed as dead when there are no remaining native speakers, in other words, no one naturally speaks it as a language passed down to them by their parents. The most known example of this is Latin. A language can become a dead language for many reasons. Often though the language just stops being handed down from generation to generation

The different types of languages

An extinct language is a language that no longer has any speakers. By contrast, a dead language has no living descendants of the language, even if it still has speakers (as is the case with Latin for instance). An extinct language is effectively forgotten, as it is no longer spoken. Languages that are currently still spoken are called modern languages.

The stages of endangered languages

Vulnerable – most children speak the language, but it may be restricted to certain areas (e.g.: home)

Endangered – children no longer learn the language as their mother tongue at home

Severely endangered – the language is spoken by grandparents and older generations; while the parent generation may understand it, they do not speak it with their children or among themselves

Critically endangered – the youngest speakers of the language are grandparents or older, and even they only speak the language partially and infrequently

Why do so many languages become dead or extinct?

Languages can become dead or extinct as a result of cultural assimilation as this can lead to language shifts. Cultural assimilation is when a language “adopts” customs, beliefs, and words from another language until it eventually loses its own original language. This means that several languages are on the brink of becoming dead languages. There are currently around 7,000 nationally spoken languages across the globe. Most of these are in danger of becoming extinct or dead. It is estimated that eventually 90% of languages will become extinct! Luckily, a small group of pupils at Wimbledon High are starting an endangered languages club. This club aims to teach fellow pupils about the cultures and traditions of different languages. Clubs like these can help slow down the extinction of languages. Why not join it to make a difference?

What can you find out about these languages?

7^th March 2021- Bering Aleut

2^nd February 2021- Juma

2^nd December 2020- Tuscarora

4^th April 2020- Aka-Cari

23^rd March 2019-Nqandi

4^th January 2019- Tehuelche

9^th December 2016- Mandan

Endangered Languages

Budukh – Severely endangered

Juhuri – Endangered

Khinalug – Severely endangered

Kryz – Severely endangered

Leziqian- Vulnerable

Rutul – Endangered

Talysh – Vulnerable

Tat – Severely endangered

Tsakhur – Endangered

Udi – Severely endangered