How do languages go extinct? Respond to the readings, and reflect on what happens when a language dies? How can linguists help preserve a language? Can a ‘dead’ language ever be brought back to life?
According to David Harrison, there are about 7000 languages, and half is expected to go extinct at a rate of one language every two weeks. Because 80% of the world's population speaks the major languages, which consist of about 84 languages, there are thousands of languages that are on the verge of becoming extinct. There are many reasons why a language can go extinct. One is because the speakers of a certain language are taken in by a dominant language or group. When there are no speakers left, the language is essentially dead. Passing down an obscure language to the next generations becomes difficult and unpredictable especially since children may choose to stick with another language. When a language dies, some aspects of a culture is lost. It is unfortunate to see a language that has ties to one's cultural identity, past, etc. die.
It is possible to help preserve a dying language and even resurrect a dead language. With the help of linguists, an American Indian tribe whose language, Siletz Dee-ni only had 5 speakers left, was able to create a dictionary that helped record and preserve the language. Now, it is being taught until sixth grade at a public charter school in Siletz.
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