Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Buenos diyas
Mogethin
Tēriņtš
Noca
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
Kwe
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Anasü
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Buorre idet
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
Nawe
Ai
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
ENDANGERED LANGUAGES
Hov
Hey
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
Um waynuma
Kaoha nui
Tachak
Asə
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Iakwe
Sain baina
Sar san?
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
Oŋe
INTRODUCTION
Languages are more than communication tools reflecting the history, culture, and identity of their speakers. Today, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, mostly due to globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of a few major languages. When a language disappears, we lose unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. Protecting endangered languages helps preserve the richness of human diversity for future generations.
ENDANGERED LANGUAGES
A language is endangered when it is on a path toward extinction. Without adequate documentation, a language that is extinct can never be revived. According to UNESCO there are aproximatly 2500 endangered languages.
Language Death
Language shift
language shift
VS
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Buenos diyas
Mogethin
Tēriņtš
Noca
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
Kwe
UNESCO LANGUAGE VITALITY FRAMEWORK
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Anasü
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Buorre idet
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
UNESCO created a classification system that alaws a better assessment of language endangerment, moving beyond a simple "endangered vs. not endangered" label. UNESCO’s system helps identify specific areas where interventions are needed to revitalize a language by evaluating :
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
Nawe
Ai
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
- Intergenerational Transmission
- Absolute Number of Speakers
- Proportion of Speakers
- Trends in Language Domains
- Response to New Domains and Media
- Availability of Language Education and Literacy Material
- Governmental and Institutional Attitudes and Policies
- Community Attitudes
- Amount and Quality of Documentation
- Governmental and Institutional Attitudes and Policies
(EX) Extinct
Hov
Hey
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
(CR) Critically Endangered
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
(SE) Severely Endangered
Um waynuma
Kaoha nui
Tachak
ENDANGERED
- Availability of Language Education and Literacy Materials
DEGREE OF ENDANGERMENT
Asə
(DE) Definitely Endangered
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Absolute Number of Speakers
(VU) Vulnerable
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Iakwe
Sain baina
Sar san?
- Trends in Language Domains
(NE) Safe / Not Endangered
- Response to New Domains and Media
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
Oŋe
- Amount and Quality of Documentation
ENDANGERED LANGUAGES AROUND THE WORLD
"I wonder what happens to a person's voice when their language disappears."
"I WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO A PERSON'S VOICE WHEN THEIR LANGUAGE DISAPPEARS"
~ Esraa Alrasheed
"When you lose a language and a language goes extinct, it´s like dropping a bomb on the Louvre" -Michael Krauss "A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers" -Mahatma Gandhi "You´ve got to know your language to understan your culture" -Beatrice Taylor,Ojibwe "A language, like a species, when extinct, never reappears" -Charles Darwin
CAUSES OF LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT
Languages are more than communication tools reflecting the history, culture, and identity of their speakers. Today, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, mostly due to globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of a few major languages. When a language disappears, we lose unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. Protecting endangered languages helps preserve the richness of human diversity for future generations.
CAUSES OF LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT
Globalization and the dominance of major world languages
Globalization has expanded trade, research, and opportunity, with English emerging as the universal bridge connecting people across cultures. Yet this dominance has also intensified inequalities, creating a linguistic divide where local languages lose prestige and cultural value.
These native tongues, however, are more than means of communication — they embody identity, history, and unique worldviews. As they fade under the shadow of English, humanity risks losing the cultural depth and creativity that linguistic diversity brings.
CAUSES OF LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT
Colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural suppression
Colonization and forced assimilation led to the decline or extinction of many Indigenous languages and traditions. Colonial powers imposed their languages through education, governance, and law, marginalizing native tongues and eroding cultural identity. This linguistic suppression caused deep intergenerational trauma and loss of heritage. Today, many communities are working to revive their languages and traditions, reclaiming cultural resilience and resisting the lasting impacts of colonization.
IMPACTS
The decline of local languages and traditional cultures can have far reaching consequences for communities. Language loss often leads to the erosion of cultural knowledge and practices, as younger generations may not learn the traditions associated with their
ancestral language. This intergenerational disconnect can diminish community resilience and identity. Furthermore, local languages and traditional cultures contribute to social cohesion within communities. When a community loses its language or cultural practices, it risks losing its sense of self, which can lead to social fragmentation and a decline in mental well-being.
PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION EFFORTS
Languages are more than communication tools reflecting the history, culture, and identity of their speakers. Today, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, mostly due to globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of a few major languages. When a language disappears, we lose unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. Protecting endangered languages helps preserve the richness of human diversity for future generations.
PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION EFFORTS
Wider use of tech-enabled revival: Machine learning, LLMs, mobile apps, digital archives will become more central. These tools will likely help preserve the linguistic structure (grammar, vocabulary) and create learning resources. But care will be needed so that the community retains control. Even with technology, data scarcity is a big problem. Many endangered languages are under-documented; older speakers may be few; audio recordings may be poor; written materials may be minimal. This makes building AI models, teaching resources etc. hard. Media and new platforms: The development of new media, such as radio, and online platforms has provided new spaces for speakers to use and revitalize their languages.
Technologies like audio/video recording, digital archives, AI-powered speech recognition and translation, language learning apps, and social media are used to document, preserve, and revitalize languages by capturing spoken words, creating accessible educational resources, building online communities, and increasing the digital visibility of endangered languages. These tools allow for the creation of permanent linguistic records, make it easier for communities to access and share their linguistic heritage, and engage younger generations with their ancestral languages in new ways.
Technology
Media and Digital Platforms
Political and Educational Efforts
Media and Digital Platforms
SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDIES
The revitalization of Hebrew and Māori highlights the deep bond between language, culture, and identity. Hebrew’s return to daily life shows how collective effort and institutional support can restore a dormant language. Māori revitalization goes further, embodying resilience and cultural renewal after generations of colonial suppression. Through community action, intergenerational learning, and cultural pride, te reo Māori has become a symbol of healing and self-determination. Both revivals show that restoring a language is, at its core, an act of reclaiming identity and reconnecting with one’s heritage.
Stabilization: Some highly endangered languages may be stabilized through successful revitalization efforts. Emergence of new forms: Urban or mixed varieties of indigenous languages may develop as speakers migrate to cities. Linguistic diversity: The loss of endangered languages would mean the loss of unique cultural knowledge, traditions, and worldviews. The future will depend on the balance between ongoing threats and the success of preservation efforts.
The future of many endangered languages is uncertain, some may go extinct, especially those with few speakers, not enough documentation and limited suport. However, others can be stabilized or revived through the efforts of communities and NGOs, instututional backing, and the use of technology. As people move to cities, new urban or mixed forms of indigenous languages may emerge. The loss of these languages would mean the loss of uniquecultural knowledge. Ultimately, the future of linguistic diversity depends on how well preservation efforts can counter ongoing threats.
FUTURE
Some languages will go extinct: Especially those with very few speakers, minimal documentation, little institutional support, or in communities under pressure to shift language use (urban migration, loss of traditional livelihoods). Others will be stabilized or revived: If communities, governments, NGOs, and technology work together. Languages with enough speakers, or with strong community pride and support, have a chance of being revitalized.
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Buenos diyas
Mogethin
Tēriņtš
Noca
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
Kwe
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Anasü
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Buorre idet
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
Nawe
Ai
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
Hov
Hey
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
Um waynuma
Kaoha nui
Tachak
Asə
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Iakwe
Sain baina
Sar san?
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
Oŋe
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Buenos diyas
Hey
Kaoha nui
Buorre idet
Anasü
Noca
Mogethin
Ai
Oŋe
Kwe
Iakwe
Buorre idet
Kao
Oŋe
Kwe
Ai
Anasü
Hey
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Tēriņtš
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
CONCLUSION
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
The cooperative efforts of language communities, language professionals, NGOs and governments will be indispensable in countering this threat. There is a pressing need to build support for language communities in their efforts to establish meaningful new roles for their endangered languages. The preservation of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage is not only a matter of cultural pride but also a fundamental aspect of social health.
Nawe
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
Hov
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
Um waynuma
Tachak
Asə
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Sain baina
Sar san?
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
- https://www.ethnologue.com/insights/how-many-languages-endangered
- https://ich.unesco.org/doc/src/00120-EN.pdf
- https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/multilingualpractices/0/steps/22665
- https://share.google/sG45OuBoSVNGEb12i
- https://www.interactio.com/post/globalization-and-nonenglishlanguages
- https://prosiding.aripi.or.id/index.php/ICGEL/article/view/102/154
- https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/assimilation-policiescolonialism
- https://inlibrary.uz/index.php/science-research/article/view/80576
- https://www.sapiens.org/teaching-unit/language-and-colonialism/
- https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-revival-of-hebrew/
- https://www.indigenouscoalition.org/articlesblog/ohz9ykpo87znn1r8tgi2emqpg9r5fi
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/endangered-languages-high-risk-lost/
Afonso Martins , n.º1Esmeralda Cardoso, n.º6 Mariana Gonçalves, n.º14 Tomás Santo, n.º20 12ºB
Dahalo (Dahalo)
Kenya
History: Once spoken by a small hunter-gatherer community near the mouth of the Tana River in coastal Kenya, Dahalo belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. Over the past century, intermarriage and cultural assimilation have led to the dominance of Swahili and neighboring Cushitic languages. As a result, Dahalo has lost its status as a community language and survives mainly among older speakers. Language vitality: Definitely Endangered Native speakers: ~300–400 Passive speakers: <500
Yaghan (Yámana)
Chile and Argentina
History: Once spoken by the Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego (Chile and Argentina), the language nearly disappeared after colonization and missionary influence in the 19th century. Only fragments remain after the death of its last fluent speaker in 2022. Language vitality: Extinct Native speakers: 0 Passive speakers: <10
Ket
Russia
History: Ket is the last surviving member of the Yeniseian language family, once spoken widely across central Siberia. The Ket people now live along the middle Yenisei River in Krasnoyarsk Krai. Russian assimilation policies in the 20th century caused a sharp language shift, and today only a few elderly speakers remain, though some revitalization and documentation efforts are underway. Language vitality: Critically endangered Native speakers: Severely endangered. Passive speakers: 0
Not Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Intergeneration al transmission is not affected. Examples: Vietnamese, English, Danish, Zulu Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 1%
Nluu
South Africa
History: The language, which has roots tracing back over 20,000 years, was considered extinct until the 1990s when linguists found elderly speakers. Language vitality: Critically endangered. Native speakers: 1. Passive speakers: 0
Minderico
Portugal
History: Minderico is a language with a history rooted in the textile trade of Minde, Portugal, starting around the 16th and 17th centuries. It began as a secret sociolect used by blanket traders to protect their business from outsiders. Language vitality: Endangered. Native speakers: 150, only 25 fluent. Passive speakers: 1000
Manchu (ᠮᠠᠨᠵᡠ ᡤᡳᠰᡠᠨ)
China
History: The historical language of the Manchu people of northeastern China, once the official language of the Qing dynasty. It declined rapidly under Han cultural assimilation, though a few elders still speak it in Heilongjiang Province. Language vitality: Definitely Endangered Native speakers: ~20 Passive speakers: ~10,000
Miriwoong (Miriwoong)
Australia
History: Miriwoong is an Aboriginal language spoken around Kununurra in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Once widely used across local communities, it declined rapidly after colonization and the spread of English. Revitalization programs led by the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre now work to teach Miriwoong to younger generations. Language vitality: Severely Endangered Native speakers: ~10–20 Passive speakers: ~100–200
Macanese
Macau
History: Macanese history is the story of a unique Eurasian community that developed in Macau, a former Portuguese trading post established in 1557. The Portuguese settlers and their descendants, known as Macanese, created a distinct culture with Portuguese and Chinese influences. Language vitality: Critically endangered Native speakers: 50. Passive speakers: 0
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Vulnerable
Transmission Criterion: Most children speak the language but might only speak it at home or in a specific domain. Number of Speakers Criterion: 3.500.000 - 7.000.000 Examples: Greenlandic, basque, Welsh, Yakut, Navajo . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 16%
Inuktitut
Canada
History: Inuktitut is an ancient language with origins in the Thule people, the ancestors of today's Inuit, and was originally a spoken language passed down orally. Its history is marked by the development of various writing systems Language vitality: Vulnerable. Native speakers: 37,520. Passive speakers: 41,675
Critically Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Youngest speakers are grandparents or older and speak the language partially / infrequently. Number of Speakers Criterion: < 25.000 Examples: Hokkaido Ainu, Naukan Yupik, Kiowa, Manx . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 5%
Ket (Остыганна ӄаʼ)
Russia
History: Ket, spoken along the Yenisei River in Siberia, is the last survivor of the Yeniseian family. Russian expansion and Soviet assimilation severely reduced its use, but linguists are actively documenting it. Language vitality: Severely Endangered Native speakers: ~20 Passive speakers: ~100
Definitely Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Children no longer learn the language at home. Number of Speakers Criterion: 100.000 - 3.500.000 Examples: Irish, Taa, Mohawk, Guringji . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 33%
Sustainable revitalisation also requires consistent funding, political support, trained teachers, and materials without which programs risk failure. Collaboration among schools, communities, and governments creates environments for language learning and use, combining formal education, cultural activities, and supportive policies.Policy reforms play a crucial role: countries that legally recognise minority languages and promote bilingual education can slow or reverse language decline. Burkina Faso serves as an example, introducing billingual education in 1994 and granting national languages official status. Its transitional education model gradually shifts from native languages to French by the fifth year, improving inclusion, learning outcomes, and national identity while reducing colonial influence.
The wider use of technology such as machine learning, large language models(LLM's), mobile apps, and digital archives is playing a growing role in preserving endangered languages. These tools help document grammar and vocabulary, create learning resources, and increase digital visibility. Howerver, many endangered languages suffer from data scarcity, with few speakers, limited recordings and minimal written materials, making tech-based efforts challenging.
Kija
Australia
History: Kija (or Gija) language is an ancient Australian Aboriginal language from the Jarragan language family, spoken in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. It has been spoken for thousands of years and is a key part of the Gija people's cultural identity and history. Language vitality: Endangered. Native speakers: 160 to 210 Passive speakers: 0
Extint
Transmission Criterion: No speakers left. Number of Speakers Criterion: None native. Examples: Ancient Greek, Yurok, Dalmatian.
Livonian (Līvõ kēļ)
Latvia
History: A Finnic language from Latvia, Livonian was once spoken along the Livonian Coast. Suppression under Russian and Soviet rule and assimilation into Latvian culture led to its near extinction, though revitalization efforts are ongoing. Language vitality: Critically Endangered Native speakers: <5 Passive speakers: ~50
Nanti
Peru
History: The Nanti language has a history tied to the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, involving the initial contact with missionaries and the external world. Language vitality: Endangered. Native speakers: 94 Passive speakers: 450
Navajo (Diné Bizaad)
United States
History: Navajo is an Athabaskan language spoken by the Navajo Nation in the southwestern United States. It flourished for centuries and was famously used by Code Talkers during World War II, but English dominance has reduced transmission to younger generations. Language vitality: Vulnerable Native speakers: ~170,000 Passive speakers: ~50,000
Mirandese (Mirandês)
Portugal
History: Mirandese is a Romance language spoken in northeastern Portugal, mainly in Miranda do Douro. It descends from medieval Astur-Leonese and survived in isolated rural communities. Officially recognized in Portugal since 1999, it is taught in schools and used in local signage, though Portuguese remains dominant in daily life. Language vitality: Vulnerable Native speakers: ~5,000–7,000 Passive speakers: ~10,000–15,000
New media, including radio, social media and online platforms, provide valuable spaces for language use and revitalisation. Technologies like audio/video recording, AI-powered tools, and language learning apps enable the creation of permanent records, build community connections, and engage younger genarations, helping to preserve and promote endangered languages.
Severely Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Youngest speakers are grandparents or older and parents do not speak it to children. Number of Speakers Criterion: 10.000 - 100.000 Examples: Hawaiian, Nivkh, Breton, Lule Sámi . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 6%
Endangered languages
Aluno(a) Afonso Costa Martins
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Transcript
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Buenos diyas
Mogethin
Tēriņtš
Noca
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
Kwe
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Anasü
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Buorre idet
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
Nawe
Ai
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
ENDANGERED LANGUAGES
Hov
Hey
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
Um waynuma
Kaoha nui
Tachak
Asə
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Iakwe
Sain baina
Sar san?
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
Oŋe
INTRODUCTION
Languages are more than communication tools reflecting the history, culture, and identity of their speakers. Today, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, mostly due to globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of a few major languages. When a language disappears, we lose unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. Protecting endangered languages helps preserve the richness of human diversity for future generations.
ENDANGERED LANGUAGES
A language is endangered when it is on a path toward extinction. Without adequate documentation, a language that is extinct can never be revived. According to UNESCO there are aproximatly 2500 endangered languages.
Language Death
Language shift
language shift
VS
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Buenos diyas
Mogethin
Tēriņtš
Noca
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
Kwe
UNESCO LANGUAGE VITALITY FRAMEWORK
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Anasü
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Buorre idet
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
UNESCO created a classification system that alaws a better assessment of language endangerment, moving beyond a simple "endangered vs. not endangered" label. UNESCO’s system helps identify specific areas where interventions are needed to revitalize a language by evaluating :
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
Nawe
Ai
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
(EX) Extinct
Hov
Hey
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
(CR) Critically Endangered
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
(SE) Severely Endangered
Um waynuma
Kaoha nui
Tachak
ENDANGERED
DEGREE OF ENDANGERMENT
Asə
(DE) Definitely Endangered
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Absolute Number of Speakers
(VU) Vulnerable
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Iakwe
Sain baina
Sar san?
(NE) Safe / Not Endangered
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
Oŋe
ENDANGERED LANGUAGES AROUND THE WORLD
"I wonder what happens to a person's voice when their language disappears."
"I WONDER WHAT HAPPENS TO A PERSON'S VOICE WHEN THEIR LANGUAGE DISAPPEARS"
~ Esraa Alrasheed
"When you lose a language and a language goes extinct, it´s like dropping a bomb on the Louvre" -Michael Krauss "A language is an exact reflection of the character and growth of its speakers" -Mahatma Gandhi "You´ve got to know your language to understan your culture" -Beatrice Taylor,Ojibwe "A language, like a species, when extinct, never reappears" -Charles Darwin
CAUSES OF LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT
Languages are more than communication tools reflecting the history, culture, and identity of their speakers. Today, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, mostly due to globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of a few major languages. When a language disappears, we lose unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. Protecting endangered languages helps preserve the richness of human diversity for future generations.
CAUSES OF LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT
Globalization and the dominance of major world languages
Globalization has expanded trade, research, and opportunity, with English emerging as the universal bridge connecting people across cultures. Yet this dominance has also intensified inequalities, creating a linguistic divide where local languages lose prestige and cultural value. These native tongues, however, are more than means of communication — they embody identity, history, and unique worldviews. As they fade under the shadow of English, humanity risks losing the cultural depth and creativity that linguistic diversity brings.
CAUSES OF LANGUAGE ENDANGERMENT
Colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural suppression
Colonization and forced assimilation led to the decline or extinction of many Indigenous languages and traditions. Colonial powers imposed their languages through education, governance, and law, marginalizing native tongues and eroding cultural identity. This linguistic suppression caused deep intergenerational trauma and loss of heritage. Today, many communities are working to revive their languages and traditions, reclaiming cultural resilience and resisting the lasting impacts of colonization.
IMPACTS
The decline of local languages and traditional cultures can have far reaching consequences for communities. Language loss often leads to the erosion of cultural knowledge and practices, as younger generations may not learn the traditions associated with their ancestral language. This intergenerational disconnect can diminish community resilience and identity. Furthermore, local languages and traditional cultures contribute to social cohesion within communities. When a community loses its language or cultural practices, it risks losing its sense of self, which can lead to social fragmentation and a decline in mental well-being.
PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION EFFORTS
Languages are more than communication tools reflecting the history, culture, and identity of their speakers. Today, nearly half of the world’s 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, mostly due to globalization, cultural assimilation, and the dominance of a few major languages. When a language disappears, we lose unique traditions, knowledge, and ways of seeing the world. Protecting endangered languages helps preserve the richness of human diversity for future generations.
PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION EFFORTS
Wider use of tech-enabled revival: Machine learning, LLMs, mobile apps, digital archives will become more central. These tools will likely help preserve the linguistic structure (grammar, vocabulary) and create learning resources. But care will be needed so that the community retains control. Even with technology, data scarcity is a big problem. Many endangered languages are under-documented; older speakers may be few; audio recordings may be poor; written materials may be minimal. This makes building AI models, teaching resources etc. hard. Media and new platforms: The development of new media, such as radio, and online platforms has provided new spaces for speakers to use and revitalize their languages.
Technologies like audio/video recording, digital archives, AI-powered speech recognition and translation, language learning apps, and social media are used to document, preserve, and revitalize languages by capturing spoken words, creating accessible educational resources, building online communities, and increasing the digital visibility of endangered languages. These tools allow for the creation of permanent linguistic records, make it easier for communities to access and share their linguistic heritage, and engage younger generations with their ancestral languages in new ways.
Technology
Media and Digital Platforms
Political and Educational Efforts
Media and Digital Platforms
SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDIES
The revitalization of Hebrew and Māori highlights the deep bond between language, culture, and identity. Hebrew’s return to daily life shows how collective effort and institutional support can restore a dormant language. Māori revitalization goes further, embodying resilience and cultural renewal after generations of colonial suppression. Through community action, intergenerational learning, and cultural pride, te reo Māori has become a symbol of healing and self-determination. Both revivals show that restoring a language is, at its core, an act of reclaiming identity and reconnecting with one’s heritage.
Stabilization: Some highly endangered languages may be stabilized through successful revitalization efforts. Emergence of new forms: Urban or mixed varieties of indigenous languages may develop as speakers migrate to cities. Linguistic diversity: The loss of endangered languages would mean the loss of unique cultural knowledge, traditions, and worldviews. The future will depend on the balance between ongoing threats and the success of preservation efforts.
The future of many endangered languages is uncertain, some may go extinct, especially those with few speakers, not enough documentation and limited suport. However, others can be stabilized or revived through the efforts of communities and NGOs, instututional backing, and the use of technology. As people move to cities, new urban or mixed forms of indigenous languages may emerge. The loss of these languages would mean the loss of uniquecultural knowledge. Ultimately, the future of linguistic diversity depends on how well preservation efforts can counter ongoing threats.
FUTURE
Some languages will go extinct: Especially those with very few speakers, minimal documentation, little institutional support, or in communities under pressure to shift language use (urban migration, loss of traditional livelihoods). Others will be stabilized or revived: If communities, governments, NGOs, and technology work together. Languages with enough speakers, or with strong community pride and support, have a chance of being revitalized.
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Buenos diyas
Mogethin
Tēriņtš
Noca
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
Kwe
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Anasü
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Buorre idet
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
Nawe
Ai
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
Hov
Hey
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
Um waynuma
Kaoha nui
Tachak
Asə
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Iakwe
Sain baina
Sar san?
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
Oŋe
Ede
Tansi
Kia orana
Alii
Buenos diyas
Hey
Kaoha nui
Buorre idet
Anasü
Noca
Mogethin
Ai
Oŋe
Kwe
Iakwe
Buorre idet
Kao
Oŋe
Kwe
Ai
Anasü
Hey
Rimaykullayki
Irankarapte
Tēriņtš
Fastyr mie
Mandi
Watsʷa
Demat
Bon dia
CONCLUSION
Dydh da
Buiti binafi
Lazaa
Bouônjour
Mālō le lelei
Kwe
Bona die
Bonjorn
ŋətyvəlgə
Niltze
Buorre idet
Sjidə
Alʔa
Buenos diyas
Talofa
The cooperative efforts of language communities, language professionals, NGOs and governments will be indispensable in countering this threat. There is a pressing need to build support for language communities in their efforts to establish meaningful new roles for their endangered languages. The preservation of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage is not only a matter of cultural pride but also a fundamental aspect of social health.
Nawe
Inhó
Bajun
Bon dia
Xaa
Shumbrat
Anasü
Hov
Salam
Fakaalofa atu
Tēriņtš
Buiti binafi
Shumbra
Aloha
Hawe
Sjidə
Pšaʔa
Shkhue
Bara
Kamisaraki
Ia ora na
Um waynuma
Tachak
Asə
Dobry dien
Marsha doo
Dobry dien
Håfa adai
Yá’át’ééh
Iorana
Shuldyr
Mogethin
Osiyo
Sain baina
Sar san?
Boozhoo
Rimaykullayki
Bou dia
Bara
Avy’aiterei
Maimo
Demat
Shumbra
Niyawen
Bujun
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Afonso Martins , n.º1Esmeralda Cardoso, n.º6 Mariana Gonçalves, n.º14 Tomás Santo, n.º20 12ºB
Dahalo (Dahalo)
Kenya
History: Once spoken by a small hunter-gatherer community near the mouth of the Tana River in coastal Kenya, Dahalo belongs to the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. Over the past century, intermarriage and cultural assimilation have led to the dominance of Swahili and neighboring Cushitic languages. As a result, Dahalo has lost its status as a community language and survives mainly among older speakers. Language vitality: Definitely Endangered Native speakers: ~300–400 Passive speakers: <500
Yaghan (Yámana)
Chile and Argentina
History: Once spoken by the Yaghan people of Tierra del Fuego (Chile and Argentina), the language nearly disappeared after colonization and missionary influence in the 19th century. Only fragments remain after the death of its last fluent speaker in 2022. Language vitality: Extinct Native speakers: 0 Passive speakers: <10
Ket
Russia
History: Ket is the last surviving member of the Yeniseian language family, once spoken widely across central Siberia. The Ket people now live along the middle Yenisei River in Krasnoyarsk Krai. Russian assimilation policies in the 20th century caused a sharp language shift, and today only a few elderly speakers remain, though some revitalization and documentation efforts are underway. Language vitality: Critically endangered Native speakers: Severely endangered. Passive speakers: 0
Not Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Intergeneration al transmission is not affected. Examples: Vietnamese, English, Danish, Zulu Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 1%
Nluu
South Africa
History: The language, which has roots tracing back over 20,000 years, was considered extinct until the 1990s when linguists found elderly speakers. Language vitality: Critically endangered. Native speakers: 1. Passive speakers: 0
Minderico
Portugal
History: Minderico is a language with a history rooted in the textile trade of Minde, Portugal, starting around the 16th and 17th centuries. It began as a secret sociolect used by blanket traders to protect their business from outsiders. Language vitality: Endangered. Native speakers: 150, only 25 fluent. Passive speakers: 1000
Manchu (ᠮᠠᠨᠵᡠ ᡤᡳᠰᡠᠨ)
China
History: The historical language of the Manchu people of northeastern China, once the official language of the Qing dynasty. It declined rapidly under Han cultural assimilation, though a few elders still speak it in Heilongjiang Province. Language vitality: Definitely Endangered Native speakers: ~20 Passive speakers: ~10,000
Miriwoong (Miriwoong)
Australia
History: Miriwoong is an Aboriginal language spoken around Kununurra in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Once widely used across local communities, it declined rapidly after colonization and the spread of English. Revitalization programs led by the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre now work to teach Miriwoong to younger generations. Language vitality: Severely Endangered Native speakers: ~10–20 Passive speakers: ~100–200
Macanese
Macau
History: Macanese history is the story of a unique Eurasian community that developed in Macau, a former Portuguese trading post established in 1557. The Portuguese settlers and their descendants, known as Macanese, created a distinct culture with Portuguese and Chinese influences. Language vitality: Critically endangered Native speakers: 50. Passive speakers: 0
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Vulnerable
Transmission Criterion: Most children speak the language but might only speak it at home or in a specific domain. Number of Speakers Criterion: 3.500.000 - 7.000.000 Examples: Greenlandic, basque, Welsh, Yakut, Navajo . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 16%
Inuktitut
Canada
History: Inuktitut is an ancient language with origins in the Thule people, the ancestors of today's Inuit, and was originally a spoken language passed down orally. Its history is marked by the development of various writing systems Language vitality: Vulnerable. Native speakers: 37,520. Passive speakers: 41,675
Critically Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Youngest speakers are grandparents or older and speak the language partially / infrequently. Number of Speakers Criterion: < 25.000 Examples: Hokkaido Ainu, Naukan Yupik, Kiowa, Manx . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 5%
Ket (Остыганна ӄаʼ)
Russia
History: Ket, spoken along the Yenisei River in Siberia, is the last survivor of the Yeniseian family. Russian expansion and Soviet assimilation severely reduced its use, but linguists are actively documenting it. Language vitality: Severely Endangered Native speakers: ~20 Passive speakers: ~100
Definitely Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Children no longer learn the language at home. Number of Speakers Criterion: 100.000 - 3.500.000 Examples: Irish, Taa, Mohawk, Guringji . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 33%
Sustainable revitalisation also requires consistent funding, political support, trained teachers, and materials without which programs risk failure. Collaboration among schools, communities, and governments creates environments for language learning and use, combining formal education, cultural activities, and supportive policies.Policy reforms play a crucial role: countries that legally recognise minority languages and promote bilingual education can slow or reverse language decline. Burkina Faso serves as an example, introducing billingual education in 1994 and granting national languages official status. Its transitional education model gradually shifts from native languages to French by the fifth year, improving inclusion, learning outcomes, and national identity while reducing colonial influence.
The wider use of technology such as machine learning, large language models(LLM's), mobile apps, and digital archives is playing a growing role in preserving endangered languages. These tools help document grammar and vocabulary, create learning resources, and increase digital visibility. Howerver, many endangered languages suffer from data scarcity, with few speakers, limited recordings and minimal written materials, making tech-based efforts challenging.
Kija
Australia
History: Kija (or Gija) language is an ancient Australian Aboriginal language from the Jarragan language family, spoken in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. It has been spoken for thousands of years and is a key part of the Gija people's cultural identity and history. Language vitality: Endangered. Native speakers: 160 to 210 Passive speakers: 0
Extint
Transmission Criterion: No speakers left. Number of Speakers Criterion: None native. Examples: Ancient Greek, Yurok, Dalmatian.
Livonian (Līvõ kēļ)
Latvia
History: A Finnic language from Latvia, Livonian was once spoken along the Livonian Coast. Suppression under Russian and Soviet rule and assimilation into Latvian culture led to its near extinction, though revitalization efforts are ongoing. Language vitality: Critically Endangered Native speakers: <5 Passive speakers: ~50
Nanti
Peru
History: The Nanti language has a history tied to the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, involving the initial contact with missionaries and the external world. Language vitality: Endangered. Native speakers: 94 Passive speakers: 450
Navajo (Diné Bizaad)
United States
History: Navajo is an Athabaskan language spoken by the Navajo Nation in the southwestern United States. It flourished for centuries and was famously used by Code Talkers during World War II, but English dominance has reduced transmission to younger generations. Language vitality: Vulnerable Native speakers: ~170,000 Passive speakers: ~50,000
Mirandese (Mirandês)
Portugal
History: Mirandese is a Romance language spoken in northeastern Portugal, mainly in Miranda do Douro. It descends from medieval Astur-Leonese and survived in isolated rural communities. Officially recognized in Portugal since 1999, it is taught in schools and used in local signage, though Portuguese remains dominant in daily life. Language vitality: Vulnerable Native speakers: ~5,000–7,000 Passive speakers: ~10,000–15,000
New media, including radio, social media and online platforms, provide valuable spaces for language use and revitalisation. Technologies like audio/video recording, AI-powered tools, and language learning apps enable the creation of permanent records, build community connections, and engage younger genarations, helping to preserve and promote endangered languages.
Severely Endangered
Transmission Criterion: Youngest speakers are grandparents or older and parents do not speak it to children. Number of Speakers Criterion: 10.000 - 100.000 Examples: Hawaiian, Nivkh, Breton, Lule Sámi . Approx. % of all language in UNESCO's World Atlas of Languages: 6%