Monday June 18 3:23 PM ET Yahoo

Many World Languages Face Extinction

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE,

WASHINGTON (AP) - Ever hear someone speak Udihe, Eyak, or Arikapu?

Odds are you never will. Among the world's 6,800 languages, half to 90 percent could be extinct by the end of the century.

One reason is that half of all languages are spoken by fewer than 2,500 people each, according to the Worldwatch Institute, a private organization that monitors global trends.

Languages need at least 100,000 speakers to pass from generation to generation, says UNESCO (news - web sites), the United Nations (news - web sites) Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

War and genocide, fatal natural disasters, the adoption of more dominant languages such as Chinese and Russian, and government bans on language also contribute to their demise.

``In some ways it's similar to what threatens species,'' said Payal Sampat, a Worldwatch researcher who wrote about the topic for the institute's May-June magazine.

The outlook for Udihe, Eyak, and Arikapu - spoken in Siberia, Alaska and the Amazon jungle, respectively - is particularly bleak.

About 100 people speak Udihe, six speak Arikapu, and Eyak is down to one, Worldwatch says. Marie Smith, from Prince William Sound in Alaska, is thought to be the last speaker of Eyak, in which 'awa'ahdah means ``thank you.''

It's becoming a struggle, too, to find many who can say ``thank you'' in the Navajo language of the American Indian tribe (ahehee), ``hello'' in the Maori language of New Zealand (kia ora), or rattle off the proud Cornish saying: ``Me na vyn cows Sawsnak!'' (I will not speak English!).

The losses ripple far beyond the affected communities. When a language dies, linguists, anthropologists and others lose rich sources of material for their work documenting a people's history, finding out what they knew and tracking their movements from region to region.

And the world, linguistically speaking, becomes less diverse.

In January, a catastrophic earthquake in western India killed an estimated 30,000 speakers of Kutchi, leaving about 770,000.

Manx, from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea, disappeared in 1974 with the death of its last speaker. In 1992, a Turkish farmer's passing marked the end of Ubykh, a language from the Caucasus region with the most consonants on record, 81.

Eight countries account for more than half of all languages. They are, in order, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Nigeria, India, Mexico, Cameroon, Australia, and Brazil.

That languages die isn't new; thousands are believed to have disappeared already.

``The distinguishing thing is it's happening at such an alarming rate right now,'' said Megan Crowhurst, chairwoman of the Linguistic Society of America's endangered languages committee.

Linguists believe 3,400 to 6,120 languages could become extinct by 2100, a statistic grimmer than the widely used estimate of about one language death every two weeks.

While a few languages, including Chinese, Greek, and Hebrew, are more than 2,000 years old, others are coming back from the dead, so to speak.

In 1983, Hawaiians created the 'Aha Punana Leo organization to reintroduce their native language throughout the state, including its public schools. The language nearly became extinct when the United States banned schools from teaching students in Hawaiian after annexing the then-independent country in 1898.

'Aha Punana Leo, which means ``language nest,'' opened Hawaiian-language immersion preschools in 1984, followed by secondary schools that produced their first graduates, taught entirely in Hawaiian, in 1999.

Some 7,000 to 10,000 Hawaiians currently speak their native tongue, up from fewer than 1,000 in 1983, said Luahiwa Namahoe, the organization's spokeswoman.

``We just want Hawaiian back where she belongs,'' Namahoe explained. ``If you can't speak it here, where will you speak it?''

Elsewhere, efforts are under way to revive Cornish, the language of Cornwall, England, that is believed to have died around 1777, as well as ancient Mayan languages in Mexico.

Hebrew evolved in the last century from a written language into Israel's national tongue, spoken by 5 million people. Other initiatives aim to revive Welsh, Navajo, New Zealand's Maori and several languages native to Botswana.

Governments can help by removing bans on languages, and children should be encouraged to speak other languages in addition to their native tongues, said Worldwatch's Sampat, who is fluent in French and Spanish and grew up speaking the Indian languages of Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and Kutchi.

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-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), June 20, 2001

Answers

I can't decide if this matters or not.

-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), June 20, 2001.

Eyak, in which 'awa'ahdah means ``thank you.''

"wahdoh" means "thank you" in cwy -- close to the Eyak word in the way the word sounds.

The extinction of languages is important because it means something old is lost for good.

-- cwy (c@w.y), June 20, 2001.

Well, it does matter if you're worried about the "global community" (e.g., One World). That bothers some people. I don't so much mind the idea as long as nations are able to retain what makes them "them", and that includes their language.

It also matters if you really like the idea of knowing how to speak different languages (it's a gift). Personally, I don't think we (Americans) know enough about other countries. Learning to speak another language is a wonderful way to gain insight into other peoples and their cultures.

I can't even imagine what it must be like to be the only one in the world who speaks a certain language. Wouldn't you WANT to teach it to someone else? I mean, at least you'd have someone to talk to.

I'd like to see the reasons why languages are dying "at such an alarming rate right now". I'd also like to see the studies (there must be some) into the languages which have become a blend of others. This obviously means the death of at least one language, but are they accounting for these new languages that are borne out of that scenario? It must happen.

Interesting article. I'll check the WorldWatch web site (they must have one) for more info.

-- (PatriciaS@lasvegas.com), June 20, 2001.

Sooner the better. In the US we spend huge emotional and monetary reserves confronting and dealing with the difference between races and what it takes to creat an acceptable amalgam while we all speak (cept for them Alabama folk) the same language. That task pales when it comes to the divides language creates worldwide. Lest you Libs think I don't enjoy the quaintness of a waiter's accent in Acupulco know that I actually worry more that he lives "over the hill" in squalor and held there in part because because he's the only one in his family that speaks English.

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), June 21, 2001.

Make that, "the Libs".

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), June 21, 2001.

Yes, we will all have to learn the New World Order Global Language, Duhbya Speak... "Duuuh, is our childrens learning"??

-- (pollution causes @ brain. damage), June 21, 2001.

I invented the internet.

-- More New World Order Speak (courtesty@of.dems), June 21, 2001.

To lose a language is to lose an entire unique worldview. No other language can describe the world in just that way, with that sense and structuring of reality that can only be described by a particular language.

You cannot have a friend die and think that the unique place they held in your life could be replaced entirely by someone who was even somewhat like them. So it is with language.

-- Firemouse (jenesaisquoi@see.whatimean), June 21, 2001.

Arloscay siay naay ssaay.

(let's see if he gets this.)

-- Bemused (and_amazed@you.people), June 21, 2001.

Carlos, you wrote:

Sooner the better. In the US we spend huge emotional and monetary reserves confronting and dealing with the difference between races and what it takes to creat an acceptable amalgam while we all speak (cept for them Alabama folk) the same language.

How do you figure? What's wrong with people retaining a part of their heritage? Don't know if you've noticed, but there is no "official" language in this country. They've tried that in Congress a number of times, all to no avail. The "English First" movement has some pretty damn nasty roots; and knowing you, I highly doubt you'd want to be associated with them.

That task pales when it comes to the divides language creates worldwide.

Last I looked, borders did this too. Would you eliminate all borders? Religion is an even bigger divider. Would you eliminate all religion? Language isn't the only divider; it isn't even the worst.

Lest you Libs think I don't enjoy the quaintness of a waiter's accent in Acupulco know that I actually worry more that he lives "over the hill" in squalor and held there in part because because he's the only one in his family that speaks English.

Ah, yes; the label. Why? Makes no sense. Who's talking about someone's "quaint accent"? Why do you assume that "Libs" aren't also more worried (as you are) about the way the waiter lives? You want sweeping generalizations? Fine. "Cons" don't give a rat's ass about the waiter's accent OR where and how he lives. More specifically, the accent bothers the hell out of them (even though the waiter is in his own country and has taken the time to learn the language of the obnoxious tourist) and he DESERVES to live in squalor just over the hill because he isn't A Murican. Just serve me my damn meal and I'll be be sure to leave you a nice, fat USA dollar.

See how that works?

We're talking about the history and culture of a people; not an accent in a restaurant. There is much more at issue here than "we must all live together and accept one another". History is being lost. It's important to know history because in so many ways, it helps us to understand the Here And Now. Maybe then we can understand why we keep repeating it.

-- (PatriciaS@lasvegas.com), June 21, 2001.

Patricia, Brooklyn accents are quant. I love to hear boids choip.

There are many pros and cons to a world rich in languages. I don't necessarily buy the thesis of the article. Cultural pride and modern technology may save some of these languages. And don't forget the teachers of multi-lingualism---they have a vested interest.

But if these tongues die, they die. Darwinism is not just genetic; it is also cultural.

-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), June 21, 2001.

No argument there, Lars. But I wasn't even really concerned with the "special interests". I was referring to the history factor. I realize that we can't know an exact history (we just don't have the capabilities) of a by-gone era (e.g., the ancient Egyptians). We can only know as much as our technology will allow.

This is made a bit easier through languages. If we find any kind of "written history", it's like getting it from the horse's mouth (as it were).

Then again, everything's open to modern interpretation.

I lost most of my Brooklyn accent when I started working so many years ago. I listened to the people around me in that office and realized they sounded like idiots. When Rosie O'Donnell used to do stand-up (yes, there was a time she was actually funny), she did this routine. Suppose Einstein was from Brooklyn? Who would have listened to him? I can't argue with that.

-- (PatriciaS@lasvegas.com), June 21, 2001.

I have a Jewish lady friend from Brooklyn. Hasn't lived there in 40 years, still has her accent. Quite exotic.

Einstein with a Brooklyn accent. LOL.

-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), June 21, 2001.

On a smaller scale, I’ve often bemoaned the cultural homogeneity brought on by a generation of American television. Everyone dresses like the cast of “Friends”, everyone sounds like Dan Rather. I search out places where I can still hear the old lilt of Cajun influence around my neighborhood, but it’s getting rarer and rarer.

But the overall theme of one language has always been the dream of bureaucrats, salesmen and evangelists. And it’s a dream that seems now to be coming true, as Lars pointed out, Cultural Darwinism is a fact of the global community.

But how exactly will the scales balance out? The loss of cultural diversity; the gain of global communication? So many things we are faced with today present us with analogies; the debate over genetically enhanced crops comes to mind, as does the recent thread about the loss of non-domesticable animals.

Actually, I’m waging my own war against the status quo. I deal occasionally with a fast-talking “Yankee” saleswoman. She recently interrupted our phone conversation to say, “Lon, I’m going to take a little nap now, wake me when you get to the end of your sentence, OK?”

:-)

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-- Lon Frank (lgal@exp.net), June 21, 2001.

It was pig-latin.

Anyway, I'm trying to shed any vestiges of my particular accent. I think I'm successful.

-- Bemused (and_amazed@you.people), June 21, 2001.

"Arloscay siay naay ssaay."

I thought that was supposed to look like this:

Arloscay issay ansay asssay.

-- Buddy (buddydc@go.com), June 21, 2001.

OK Patricia, I’ll bite. Although we may not have formal laws in-place that declare ‘English’ the language of the land, I find it amusing that you might suggest otherwise.

Comments?

-- Telinet (like@it.is), June 21, 2001.

Sorry, but I can't post again until I get the permission of "impartial" to rescind something I said over two months ago.

(But as long as I'm here: What do you mean? All I said was that it has been tried in the Congress and has been defeated each time. Period. There was no "hidden suggestion"; I gave no opinion either way, except to imply that I disagree vehemently with the groups at the "roots" of "English First".)

-- (PatriciaS@lasvegas.com), June 21, 2001.

Looking through an encyclopedia the other day, it was stated that English and Spanish were the official languages of the U.S.

-- capnfun (capnfun1@excite.com), June 21, 2001.

Looking through an encyclopedia the other day, it was stated that English and Spanish were the official languages of the U.S.

Not true. There is no official language. Maybe it meant primary languages.

-- Buddy (buddydc@go.com), June 21, 2001.

Maybe they should have said primary but they said official.

Hell, I'm waiting for Southernese to be declared *the* language of these here United States.

-- capnfun (capnfun1@excite.com), June 21, 2001.

capn

Ya mean it ain't?? Sheyit....

Deano

-- Deano (deano@luvthebeach.com), June 21, 2001.

Invariably, when a language dies it's because you can make a better living speaking the language of the foreigners. Unless the economics of speaking these languages improves, a world of good intentions won't change a thing.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), June 21, 2001.

Best said Nipper. I think it would be neat if there were a culture of Neanderthals around....but there ain't. Before you jump, my point is adaptiveness is what has gotten us this far. Nostalgia is neat (even for K-Rats & Snail Darters) but the cost of being left behind is huge to those at the back of the line. Am I going Lib?

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), June 21, 2001.

"...my point is adaptiveness is what has gotten us this far."

What triggers the adaptation is oftentimes the fact that a bigger, stronger group of people who speak a different language muscled your group into an inferior position and started skimming the local economic benefits for themselves. It's the old story: to the victor go the spoils and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

This isn't the only way it works. History shows several examples of a conquered people absorbing their conquerors. But in most of these historic examples, the conquered people had already grown rich, numerous and powerful before the conqueror arrived - such as the Persians when the Arabs took over, or the Greeks when the Romans moved in.

European colonialism is just the most recent example of this age old phenomenon. The Han Chinese were just as good at it in their neighborhood. Lord knows how many languages were spoken in China in 1000 BC. Odds are good that a few dozen of them have bit the dust already.

In fact, there is a reasonable chance that the Neanderthals were driven extinct by "modern" Cro-Magnons, in much the same way that all those Late Pleistocene megafauna mentioned in another thread were driven extinct.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), June 21, 2001.

Good stuff Nip but definately historical. Absent a meteoric catastrophe just how would you vision the next absorbtion? Economic meltdown maybe? Could happen but if it did where would the skills reside for a rebuild? Same people.

-- Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), June 21, 2001.

I once heard that the Eskimo had over a dozen words for snow. When a language is lost, some concepts it could express may be lost also.

-- David L (bumpkin@dnet.net), June 21, 2001.

What is the Eskimo word for "yellow snow"?

-- (nemesis@awol.com), June 22, 2001.

"Absent a meteoric catastrophe just how would you vision the next absorbtion?"

Not sure I understand your question, Carlos.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), June 22, 2001.

"I once heard that the Eskimo had over a dozen words for snow."

This seems to be one of those stories that people keep inflating to make it more illustrative of the core idea. If having five words for snow illustrates the point, having over a dozen illustrates the point even more strongly! Let me try to track down a link that clears this one up.

There is another legend about the Hopi having no concept of time, because their language doesn't have a past or future tense for verbs. That one was launched by a very famous linguist, Edward Sapir. He was right about the Hopi language, but dead wrong in his conclusion. No group is so ethereal they can't distinguish yesterday from tomorrow.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), June 22, 2001.

Scholarly link explaining Eskimo words for snow.

A link from urbanlegends.com.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), June 22, 2001.

In Greek, there are at least four words for "love"--

Storge - affection for things and people; Phileo - fri endship or brotherly love; Eros - the love of love; and Agape -charity or divine love.

By comparison, English is jejeune. You can "love" a Big Mac for chrissake.

-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), June 22, 2001.

LN,
My impression of the reference I'd heard was that the multiple Eskimo words for snow reflected (sorry) characteristics of snow that would not be apparent from casual observation. However, based on the scholarly link you provided, it seems I was mistaken.

-- David L (bumpkin@dnet.net), June 22, 2001.

"Storge - affection for things and people; Phileo - fri endship or brotherly love; Eros - the love of love; and Agape -charity or divine love."

Um, then (according to you) doesn't English have four words for love: affection, friendship, love, and charity?

-- Miserable SOB (misery@misery.com), June 22, 2001.

MSOB--

My point was made in haste. It is a cliche point as I'm sure you know. Not knowing Greek, I couldn't begin to compare nuances.

Nonetheless, I think the English word "love" is overused and abused.

-- Lars (larsguy@yahoo.com), June 22, 2001.

Only on the tennis court.

-- Courtney Love (totally@talentless.musician), June 23, 2001.

I'm sure the Eskimos have a number of words for snow. The Atlantic Monthly about ten years back had an article that gave some 80+ English words for snow as well as descriptions of how the depth of large masses of snow are estimated and other tidbits about snow.

I suspect many of these disappearing languages are relatively small. I have read that English has about twice as many words as French. I would not be surprised if English had 20 to 50 times as many words as some of these rare languages.

-- dandelion (golden@pleurisy.plant), June 24, 2001.

"They took me away from my parents when I was ten years old. They came to our house one day and grabbed me. They sent me to the indian school. It was too far away for my parents to come to see me. Maybe the school wouldn't let them see me anyway. They beat us for speaking (native language)." Why? "We were the wrong color. Too dark, I guess."

My friend told me this story. He's not fifty years old yet. This happened not so long ago. A lot of the kids lost their families, their culture, and their languages this way.

-- too bad so sad (b@d.mojo), June 24, 2001.

"A lot of the kids lost their families, their culture, and their languages this way."

Yes, it is sad. It has also been the way of the world for a very long time.

The most excellent legacy bestowed on the world by that small group of men who founded the USA was the idea of protecting minority rights. Ironically, those men thought of this principle primarily in terms of protecting the rich from the poor. It was only in the late 20th century that the principle really took hold in the USA and Europe. Most of the world still doesn't understand or accept it.

-- Little Nipper (canis@minor.net), June 25, 2001.