Language Diversity and Extinction

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Questions and Answers

What is a consequence of losing a language according to the information provided?

Only the language itself is lost.
Knowledge associated with the language is preserved.
Cultures remain unaffected.
Connections to local ways of thinking may disappear. (correct)

How many languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010?

100 languages
500 languages
230 languages (correct)
1,000 languages

What does the Tuvan word 'ezenggileer' translate to in English?

To sing with the rhythms of riding a horse (correct)
To herd cattle
To call out to animals
A small horse

Which of the following languages is NOT mentioned as one of the largest languages spoken in the world?

<p>Japanese (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many languages in the world have fewer than 1,000 speakers?

<p>3,000 languages (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Endangered languages

Languages spoken by fewer than 1,000 people.

Language extinction

The situation when a language is no longer spoken by anyone.

Extinct languages

Languages that were once used but are no longer spoken.

Language and culture connection

The relationship between language and culture, showing how language reflects the way people live.

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Tuvan language example

The Tuvan language, spoken in southern Siberia, reflects the close relationship between people and their environment, especially their reliance on animals.

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Study Notes

Language Diversity and Extinction

Approximately 7,000 languages exist globally.
A significant portion (one-third) have fewer than 1,000 speakers.
230 languages became extinct between 1950 and 2010.

Cultural Significance of Language

Language loss equates to the loss of cultural knowledge and traditions.
Different cultures have varying ways of life and thought processes.
The Tuvan language, an example, reflects its speakers' close relationship with nature and animals.

Examples from Tuvan Language

The term "ezenggileer" describes the rhythmic experience of horse riding.
"Ak byzaa" refers to a white calf younger than a year old.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of language diversity and the alarming rates of language extinction. This quiz highlights the cultural significance of language and how the loss of languages equates to the loss of cultural knowledge. Discover examples like the Tuvan language and how it reflects the relationship between its speakers and their environment.