About the book
Most of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world today will vanish before the end of this century, taking with them cultural traditions from all over the world, as well as linguistic structures that would have improved our understanding of the universality and variability of human language. This book is an accessible introduction to the topic of language endangerment, answering questions such as: what is it? How and why does it happen? Why should we care? The book outlines the various causes of language endangerment, explaining what makes a language 'safe', and highlighting the danger signs that threaten a minority language. Readers will learn about the consequences of losing a language, both for its former speech community and for our understanding of human language. Illustrated with case studies, it describes the various methods of documenting endangered languages, and shows how they can be revitalised.
Editions of Endangered Languages
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780521865739
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780521684538
Read an Excerpt
Most of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world today will vanish before the end of this century, taking with them cultural traditions from all over the world, as well as linguistic structures that would have improved our understanding of the universality and variability of human language. This book is an accessible introduction to the topic of language endangerment, answering questions such as: what is it? How and why does it happen? Why should we care? The book outlines the various causes of language endangerment, explaining what makes a language 'safe', and highlighting the danger signs that threaten a minority language. Readers will learn about the consequences of losing a language, both for its former speech community and for our understanding of human language. Illustrated with case studies, it describes the various methods of documenting endangered languages, and shows how they can be revitalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Endangered Languages about?
Most of the 7,000 languages spoken in the world today will vanish before the end of this century, taking with them cultural traditions from all over the world, as well as linguistic structures that would have improved our understanding of the universality and variability of human language. This book is an accessible introduction to the topic of language endangerment, answering questions such as: what is it? How and why does it happen? Why should we care? The book outlines the various causes of language endangerment, explaining what makes a language 'safe', and highlighting the danger signs that threaten a minority language. Readers will learn about the consequences of losing a language, both for its former speech community and for our understanding of human language. Illustrated with case studies, it describes the various methods of documenting endangered languages, and shows how they can be revitalised.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Endangered Languages?
Language and Linguistics > Linguistics > Sociolinguistics
Where can I read a sample of Endangered Languages?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780521865739
Is Endangered Languages part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Endangered Languages?
Sarah G. Thomason, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Endangered Languages is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780521865739) and paperback(ISBN 9780521684538)