This blog post examines the reality of languages disappearing worldwide and discusses our efforts and role in preserving linguistic diversity.
Languages persist only when children learn them. As children learn about the world, communicate, and form their identities through language, it transcends being a mere communication tool, serving as a bridge that connects culture and history. Therefore, if a language is only used by adults, its demise is largely inevitable. If a language is not passed on to children, it will naturally disappear over time. This means the knowledge, culture, and traditions embedded within that language will also vanish.
Linguists warn of this tragedy looming over human history through such reasoning. One linguist estimates that approximately 150 languages, about 80% of existing North American Indian languages, are in a state of near extinction. These languages are barely maintained by the last few generations of elders, while the new generation grows up without learning them. In Alaska and northern Siberia, 40 languages, representing 90% of existing languages, are endangered. These regions face challenges in preserving their unique languages and cultures due to rapid climate change and economic pressures. In Central and South America, 160 languages (23%) are at risk of extinction, while in Australia, 225 languages (90%) are expected to disappear. These regions were once home to diverse coexisting languages and cultures, but are now rapidly being absorbed into mainstream languages.
Globally, approximately 3,000 languages—50% of existing languages—are disappearing. While about 600 languages with over 100,000 speakers are relatively secure, the remaining languages—representing 90% of the world’s languages—may disappear before the 21st century ends. This linguistic extinction signifies more than a mere statistical decline; it represents a profound loss to human culture. When a language vanishes, it carries with it unique ways of thinking, traditional knowledge, and distinctive worldviews. This is akin to a permanent loss of part of humanity’s intellectual heritage.
The causes for such large-scale language extinction are diverse. Indigenous language speakers face habitat destruction, ethnic cleansing, and assimilationist education. Beyond the rapid decline in speaker populations, the spread of electronic media—often called cultural nerve gas—is also a contributing factor. Amidst the wave of globalization, electronic media and the internet further strengthen certain minority languages, while minority language speakers increasingly find themselves in environments where survival becomes difficult without adopting the mainstream language. Of course, we can somewhat prevent language extinction by halting the social and political movements that force extinction, while also developing educational materials, literary works, television programs, and more in the indigenous language. Furthermore, even languages facing extinction can be revived if there is a sustained will to use them as official languages, as with Hebrew in the 20th century. Crucial to this process is cooperation between local communities and governments, along with a global shift in awareness. Only when we all recognize the value of languages and strive to preserve them can we overcome the threat of language extinction.
Realistically speaking, just as we cannot preserve every animal or plant species on Earth, we cannot—and perhaps should not—preserve every language. Moral and practical issues are intertwined here. When a language community chooses to adopt a mainstream language that guarantees economic development, what external group can force them to maintain their indigenous language? Moreover, the use of disparate languages within a single community can cause serious divisions among its people. Yet, even with these challenges, we cannot simply stand by while over 50% of the world’s languages are in a state of near extinction. We must respect human diversity and the wisdom it holds, striving to preserve as many languages as possible. This is not merely about safeguarding languages; it is also about safeguarding our own future.
Why should we care about endangered languages? Linguistic diversity demonstrates the breadth of humanity’s linguistic capabilities. Since language embodies human history and geography, the extinction of a language is akin to an entire library housing historical documents burning to the ground. Furthermore, language forms the foundation upon which poetry, stories, and songs exist within a culture. Therefore, if language extinction continues until only a few dominant languages survive, it undermines humanity’s cultural diversity. Furthermore, such language loss could impact humanity’s creativity and problem-solving abilities. Diverse languages reflect diverse ways of thinking, and this diversity plays a crucial role in solving complex problems. Consequently, the loss of linguistic diversity could limit humanity’s potential for development.
Ultimately, we must recognize that preserving languages is synonymous with preserving our cultural and intellectual heritage. And to pass this heritage on to future generations, we must exert every effort we can today. For language is more than a mere tool for communication; it is a vital asset that embodies our identity and history.
