The State of World Languages: Diversity, Disappearance, and Documentation (05/01/'24) -Statement

The State of World Languages: Diversity, Disappearance, and Documentation The estimated number of languages currently spoken on Earth is between 3,000 to 7,000. This variation is largely due to different criteria for distinguishing languages from dialects. According to Ethnologue, a leading reference work, there are over 7,000 known living languages today. Regarding language extinction, it's widely observed that many languages have become extinct or dormant in recent decades. Although the exact figure can vary, the claim that over 1,000 languages have disappeared in the last 20 years might be somewhat overstated, but it does highlight the significant issue of language loss. Languages typically become extinct due to several factors: Cultural Assimilation: Languages of smaller communities often get replaced by dominant languages as these communities assimilate into larger, more dominant cultures. Urbanization: Migration towards cities for better economic opportunities can lead to the dispersal of smaller language groups, reducing the number of fluent speakers. Globalization: Major global languages like English, Spanish, and Mandarin can overshadow local languages, especially in domains such as education, media, and government. Lack of Official Support: Without institutional support, languages are less likely to be transmitted to younger generations. Political Repression: Some languages face active suppression through political policies, which can discourage or even outlaw their use. The data on language extinction is sourced from linguistic research and documentation efforts by organizations like UNESCO and SIL International. These data are considered reliable but are subject to revisions as new information becomes available, especially concerning languages in remote or politically unstable regions. This ongoing documentation is crucial for understanding and potentially mitigating the rapid loss of linguistic diversity worldwide. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 1, 2024)