Ethnolinguistic Vitality

Ethnolinguistic vitality refers to how strongly a language or ethnic group's existence and use are maintained and supported within a community or society. It depends on factors like the group's population size, social status, institutional recognition, and their ability to pass the language to future generations. When a group has high ethnolinguistic vitality, their language is actively used, respected, and sustained over time. Conversely, low vitality indicates decline or marginalization. This concept helps explain why some languages thrive while others fade, emphasizing the importance of social and cultural support for linguistic preservation.