Language Endangerment

Language endangerment occurs when a language is at risk of falling out of use, often because its speakers are shifting to a more dominant language. Factors contributing to this include globalization, urbanization, and cultural assimilation, which can diminish community cohesion and traditional practices. As fewer people speak the endangered language, it may lose its unique cultural expressions, knowledge, and identity associated with it. When a language disappears, we lose not just words, but also the history and worldview it carries. Protecting endangered languages is vital for preserving cultural diversity and heritage.