5 hotspots for language extinction
An article posted at Anthropology.net shows numerous hotspots where language extinction are on high levels. A research conducted by the National Geographic Society and the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages found 5 hotspots where languages is nearing extinction.
These 5 hotspots are: Northern Australia, Central South America, North America’s upper Pacific coastal zone, Eastern Siberia, Oklahoma and the southwestern United States. They are marked red on the map, while areas with lesser extinction levels are colored yellow.
We can see from the map that the Philippines are included in the yellow zone, particularly the Luzon area. This is somewhat alarming considering that there are almost hundreds of languages here in our country.
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ChaoticGood
Actually this is a critical issue for a lot of indigenous peoples in the Philippines. These groups usually do not have any documentation of language and traditions (although some have started some form of documentation of indigenous knowledge systems and practices with assistance from international organizations). Most traditions are passed by word of mouth. Globalization has affected them, too. From anecdotal evidences, the young members of the communities, including those that have pursued studies, do not speak their native language anymore, in contrast to their respective parents. Quite sad.
blogOloco
It’s absolutely worrying. I strongly feel that it’s never too late but it’s such a big task. I do hope that we never loose any of it.