The Silent Loss of Languages | Imandeep Matharu | TEDxStockdale HS Youth

Language Endangerment & Loss - The industry acknowledges that approximately 1,500 of the world's rare or endangered languages could face extinction by the end of this century [3] - Linguists estimate that half of the world's 7,000 languages could become rare, endangered, or extinct by the year 2100 [3] - Language loss leads to the disappearance of distinct words, traditions, and cultures associated with those languages [4] - Historically, languages die out naturally over time or through replacement by other languages [4] Causes of Language Death - Language replacement occurs when a larger language takes over a smaller one, as seen with Aramaic being replaced by Arabic [7][9] - The decline of the Chagatai language was due to its complexity and the rise of Russian and Uzbek languages [6] - Assimilation pressures, such as immigrants not teaching their children their native language, contribute to language loss [14] Preservation Efforts - Initiatives like Duolingo and Wiki Tongues are making efforts to create databases and courses for endangered languages [15] - Countries such as the US, China, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia are implementing programs to preserve their endangered languages [16] - The Esther Martinez Native American Languages Act in the US supports the teaching of native languages to preserve native cultures and traditions [17]