Extinction of languages

Introduction Languages worldwide: 4,700-10,000 (intl.

Body: UNESCO suggest 6,700) Endagered languages Extinctions of languages

Various expectations – avr. 3,000 during the 21st cen. / half of them.

Threat to knowledge on biodiversity? Question: Should we preserve endangered

languages? Method: A variety of examples Issues regarding method: Sources

Geographical distribution of world’s living languages (source: Ethnologue)

473 nearly extinct languages worldwide (Ethnologue)

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/mission/enduringvoices/

Relationship between globalization and language shift (Source: Nandi)

Harrison’s quick facts

Every 14 days a language dies. 2100, more than half of the more than

7,000 languages spoken on Earth a wealth of knowledge about history,

culture, the natural environment, and the human brain will die!

Linguistic diversity and biodiversity (Source: Nandi) According to ecolinguists, we must not let

these languages die for in this world the 'linguistic diversity' is equally important with ‘biodiversity’.

Linguistic and cultural diversity on the one hand and biodiversity on the other are related to each other and possibly influence each other mutually .The fate of languages is thus vital for the future of the planet.

Local language equals local knowledge

Loss of biodiversity vs. Human languages (Source: Harrison)

Arguments Arguments Counter-arguemts

Loss of knowledge on biodiversity

Loss of culture Supporters: Linguists,

Radicals (counter-development)

Difficulties of communication

Reduction of globalization Extinctions of languages

are an natural development Increased cultural

understanding Avoiding

urbanization/’development’ Supporters: Neo-liberals,

’Neo-colonialist’

Grey-zone area: Multilingualism

Conclusion A new important area of study! Important area to act upon Support of both:

Support of multilingualism Most in favour of preserving Keep in mind that a lot of languages

already died What is quality of life? Responsebility? The speakers, but

information would help

References Fill, A., & Mühlhäusler, P. (Eds.). (2001). The

Ecolinguistics Reader: Language, Ecology and Environment. London & New York: Continuum.

Harrison, D. K. (2007). When Languages Die: The Extinction of the World's Languages and the Erosion of Human Knowledge. Oxford : Oxford University Press.

Lewis, M. P. (2009). Retrieved August 19, 2010, from Ethnologue: Languages of the World: http://www.ethnologue.com/

Maffi, L., & Woodley, E. (2010). Biocultural Diversity Conservation: A Global Sourcebook. London & Washington: Earthscan.

Nandi, A. (2009). LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN CRISIS: SITUATION OF MINORITY LANGUAGES IN INDIA. PhD defence . UNIVERSITY OF SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.

Countries with the highest number of endangered langueges