How do languages go extinct? Respond to the reading, reflecting on what happens when a language dies.
In today's society, languages go extinct when one language or a few main languages are used in most forms of global communication. For example, the US, UK, China, and a few other European countries tend to be dominating countries in the global marketplace, so their respective languages are more prevalent. If only a few languages are most often used, then other less common languages are not taught in schools or passed down from generation to generation so they become extinct.
How can linguists help preserve a language?
Linguists can preserve a language by keeping records of the written and spoken language. They can educate people on the language and culture(s) associated with the language to garner interest. They can use modern methods of language learning and education, such as online resources. The article talked about a digital dictionary that is accessible to many people, so having the resources is important, but also making them available to as many people as possible is equally important. Lastly, if the language is going extinct, publicizing the extinction could help preserve the language.
Can a language ever be brought back to life?
I think it matters how long the language has been extinct and how much information there is on the language. If English becomes extinct in the next 10 years and then in 50 years people want to bring it back to life, I think there is enough literature and resources to do so. However, if it is a language that does not have much documentation it would be harder to bring back. It also matters on the purpose of bringing back the language. I believe there needs to be a large demand to bring back a language and it needs to be used often enough to maintain its survival.
Replies
I also agree that languages can be brought back only if there is a demand. Many dead languages became extinct because there was no use in speaking it anymore.