Due by 5pm on Sunday, April 6: Discussion Post #9 on the Ning

Languages go extinct for a variety of reasons, many of which are rooted in social, political, and economic pressures. The readings and video show how dominant languages replace minority ones, due to globalization, education systems, and media consumption. For example, in the ScienceLine and NYT articles on bilingualism, we see that speaking multiple languages brings cognitive advantages, but they also hint at how the dominance of global languages like English make it harder for smaller languages to survive. David Harrison’s interview emphasizes that when a language dies, we lose not only the words, but entire worldviews, cultural identities, and oral histories. Language is not only a tool for communication, but a deeper understanding of how cultures interact with each other. Linguists can help preserve endangered languages by recording native speakers, developing written systems, and creating dictionaries. They can work with communities to document grammar, vocabulary, and traditional stories. And while reviving a dead language is possible, it is very challenging. For example, the Siletz Dee-ni revival is an example of how language can be revived again through recordings and dictionaries. Today, many efforts are being made to document and protect languages. Organizations like Living Tongues Institute work to record and archive disappearing languages. In conclusion, while languages go extinct due to outside pressures, efforts to preserve and revive languages show how meaningful language is to our identity, culture, and intellectual diversity.

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Samuel Lee April 4, 2025 at 3:06pm

Languages go extinct for a variety of reasons, many of which are rooted in social, political, and economic pressures. The readings and video show how dominant languages replace minority ones, due to globalization, education systems, and media consumption. For example, in the ScienceLine and NYT articles on bilingualism, we see that speaking multiple languages brings cognitive advantages, but they also hint at how the dominance of global languages like English make it harder for smaller languages to survive. David Harrison’s interview emphasizes that when a language dies, we lose not only the words, but entire worldviews, cultural identities, and oral histories. Language is not only a tool for communication, but a deeper understanding of how cultures interact with each other. Linguists can help preserve endangered languages by recording native speakers, developing written systems, and creating dictionaries. They can work with communities to document grammar, vocabulary, and traditional stories. And while reviving a dead language is possible, it is very challenging. For example, the Siletz Dee-ni revival is an example of how language can be revived again through recordings and dictionaries. Today, many efforts are being made to document and protect languages. Organizations like Living Tongues Institute work to record and archive disappearing languages. In conclusion, while languages go extinct due to outside pressures, efforts to preserve and revive languages show how meaningful language is to our identity, culture, and intellectual diversity.
- Joseph Jeon > Samuel Lee April 22, 2025 at 5:26pm
  
  I liked how you highlighted the role of linguists and organizations like Living Tongues Institute in preserving not just words, but whole cultural identities. Your point about language being more than communication—something tied to worldview and memory—really stood out to me.
- Josh Pantaloni > Samuel Lee April 5, 2025 at 12:12pm
  
  I totally agree with your point that English is making it harder for "smaller languages to survive." This reminds me of the concept of a "one world language." Do you think that one day everyone will speak one laguage? If so what could be the negative/positive repercussions.

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