Global Language Diversity and Extinction

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Questions and Answers

How many languages are estimated to have fewer than 1,000 speakers?

Around 2,000 languages (correct)
Around 1,000 languages
Around 7,000 languages
Around 3,500 languages

What does the word 'ezenggileer' mean in Tuvan?

To hunt wild animals
To gather herbs and plants
To walk in the mountains
To sing with the rhythms of riding a horse (correct)

What significant loss occurs when a language becomes extinct?

Loss of its speakers exclusively
Loss of its literature only
Loss of culture and knowledge associated with it (correct)
Loss of geographical significance

Which languages are considered the largest spoken languages in the world?

<p>Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010?

<p>230 languages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Endangered Language

A language spoken by fewer than 1,000 people. It's very vulnerable to disappearing.

Language Extinction

The disappearance of a language. It's like losing a piece of a culture.

Culture

The unique ways of living and thinking of a particular group of people, often reflected in their language.

Extinct Language

A language that is no longer spoken by anyone. It's gone forever.

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Language Features

The special words and phrases that reflect the unique experiences and knowledge of a group of people.

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Study Notes

Global Language Diversity and Loss

Approximately 7,000 languages exist globally.
The majority of speakers are concentrated in a small number of large languages.
A significant portion of languages have fewer than 1,000 speakers, facing potential extinction.
The UNESCO Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger highlights this issue.
Approximately 230 languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010.

Impact of Language Extinction

Language loss equates to the loss of associated cultures and knowledge.
Different societies develop distinct ways of life and thought, embedded in their languages.
The example of the Tuvan language in southern Siberia exemplifies how languages reflect societal values.

Tuvan Language Example

The Tuvan language showcases a close connection between humans and animals, reflected in its vocabulary.
The word "ezenggileer" describes the act of singing in harmony with horse riding rhythms.
The word "ak byzaa" refers to a young, white calf.

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Description

Explore the rich tapestry of global language diversity and the alarming trend of language extinction. This quiz delves into the number of languages worldwide, the impact of language loss on culture and knowledge, and specific examples like the Tuvan language. Test your understanding of these critical issues surrounding linguistic heritage.