In an ever-changing world, linguistic diversity represents a precious cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history, tradition and knowledge. Unfortunately, this linguistic wealth is now threatened by a range of factors, from globalization to cultural assimilation.
I. Treasures at risk: The threat to linguistic diversity
Endangered languages are not only modes of communication, but also unique conveyors of knowledge, values and cultural identities. According to UNESCO, there are currently between 6,000 and 7,000 languages in the world, but around half of them are in danger of extinction by the end of the century. On average, a language disappears every two weeks. This means that around 25% of the world’s languages are currently endangered, and over 2,700 languages are critically endangered, i.e. have fewer than 10 living speakers. The gradual disappearance of these languages is synonymous with the irreversible loss of whole swathes of human history. Each language reflects a way of thinking, a particular way of perceiving and interacting with the world around us. So, with the disappearance of each language, a unique perspective on life is extinguished… Studies have shown that nearly 40% of the world’s population speaks one of the 20 most widespread languages, while over 96% of the world’s languages are spoken by just 4% of the world’s population. This concentration of speakers exposes many languages to an increased risk of extinction.
II. Endangered languages
Among these, Cherokee, a Native American language once spoken by several tribes in the USA, is now considered seriously endangered. Despite efforts to revitalize the language, there are now only a few thousand speakers, mainly elderly, posing a serious challenge to its preservation. Hawaiian is another example of a critically endangered language. Once widely spoken in the Hawaiian archipelago, Hawaiian has suffered a dramatic decline over the last few centuries. Although efforts are underway to revitalize Hawaiian in schools and communities, the language still faces significant challenges to its long-term survival. In the European context, Dalmatian is an emblematic example of an endangered language. This Romance language, once spoken in the Dalmatian region on the coast of present-day Croatia, has been considered extinct since the 19th century. Despite this, efforts are being made to preserve its linguistic heritage through academic research and documentation of its vocabulary and grammar, as well as through cultural awareness initiatives in the region. Similarly, Cornish, a traditional Celtic language once spoken in Cornwall, UK, is now extinct. The last native speaker of Cornish died in 1777, although revitalization initiatives have since been launched in an attempt to revive the language and preserve its unique cultural heritage.
III. Struggle for survival: Solutions for preserving linguistic diversity
The role of the Internet in revitalizing endangered languages is also noteworthy. Online platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for the dissemination of linguistic and cultural content, as well as for the creation of virtual communities of speakers of these languages. For example, in the case of Aromanian, a Romance language spoken in parts of Southeast Europe, the Internet has played a crucial role in connecting dispersed speakers and promoting the use of the language through blogs, forums, YouTube channels and online language preservation initiatives. In addition to documentation and research, there are several ways in which endangered languages can be preserved and protected. These include bilingual education in schools, language revitalization programs within communities, financial support for speakers of these languages to encourage their daily use, and promotion of the language and culture through cultural events, local media and online initiatives.
These languages, like many others around the world, are facing a multitude of challenges that are pushing them to the brink of extinction. Globalization, urbanization, the expansion of dominant languages, migration and many other factors are all contributing to this threat. Yet the preservation of these languages is essential to the preservation of the cultural diversity and identity of people around the world. Each language, no matter how small or widespread, embodies a precious part of human history and culture, and its disappearance would mean the loss of a priceless cultural and linguistic treasure. Preserving endangered languages requires a multifaceted approach, combining research, education, community support and the use of new technologies. By recognizing the intrinsic value of each language as an essential element of the world’s cultural diversity, we can work together to preserve these precious linguistic heritages for future generations.