When thinking about endangered species, I often imagine animals or plants. I am sure most of you do too. But languages also face extinction. Around the world, there are thousands of languages disappearing at an alarming rate. Experts estimate it to be nearly half of the world’s 7000 languages. They believe they may vanish at the end of this century.
Why does it matter?
Every language holds some sort of history, traditions, and also the worldview of the people who speak it. When a language disappears, we lose traditions, unique stories, songs, etc.. For many people, language is more than just a way to communicate. It is mostly tied to an identity, family, and community. Losing a language can feel like losing a piece of yourself. Just like a biodiversity keeps ecosystems healthy, linguistic diversity enriches humanity. Each language offers new ideas, ways of thinking, and even humor. A world with fewer languages is a world with less creativity and fewer perspectives.
What can we do?
The good news is that efforts are being made to be able to revive these endangered languages. Communities are starting language classes. They are also recording their oral histories and using technology to teach younger generations. Even small actions like learning a few words of an endangered language or supporting the cultural programs can make a difference. When a language dies, there’s a piece of the world that is lost. By valuing and protecting endangered languages, we ensure that future generations inherit not just words, but also the wisdom, beauty, and culture they carry.
Language to Life 
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