When a language disappears, we lose cultural diversity. Researchers propose establishing bilingual education programs and encouraging proficiency in both the local language and the dominant language in the region.
Without intervention, the likelihood of language extinction will increase. (Image: Unsplash).
According to research conducted by the Australian National University (ANU), approximately 1,500 out of the 7,000 recognized languages worldwide could disappear by the end of this century.
“Without intervention, the likelihood of language extinction could triple within 40 years. At least one language is expected to disappear every month,” the authors of the study wrote.
The research team suggests establishing bilingual education programs and promoting fluency in both the local language and the dominant language in the area. Co-author Lindell Bromham mentioned that the study also explores unexpected factors that could threaten the survival of a language, such as the development of road networks.
“We found that the more roads there are, the higher the risk of language endangerment. It seems that roads are helping dominant languages overshadow minority languages,” Bromham stated.
Researcher Bromham pointed out that when a language disappears or becomes “extinct,” we lose cultural diversity.
The study was published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
