Language Death
1st Edition
Published on 22. October 2014
978-1-316-12191-7 (ISBN)
Description
The rapid endangerment and death of many minority languages across the world is a matter of widespread concern, not only among linguists and anthropologists but among all concerned with issues of cultural identity in an increasingly globalized culture. By some counts, only 600 of the 6,000 or so languages in the world are 'safe' from the threat of extinction. A leading commentator and popular writer on language issues, David Crystal asks the fundamental question, 'why is language death so important?', reviews the reasons for the current crisis, and investigates what is being done to reduce its impact. This book contains not only intelligent argument, but moving descriptions of the decline and demise of particular languages, and practical advice for anyone interested in pursuing the subject further.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Cambridge University Press
File size
2607,92 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-316-12191-7 (9781316121917)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Content
Preface; 1. What is language death?; 2. Why should we care?; 3. Why does languages die?; 4. Where do we begin?; 5. What can be done?; List of organisations; Further reading; Index of languages; Subject index.
