The Decline of Minority Languages

Language extinction is a critical global issue, with linguists estimating that up to **90% of the world's languages** may disappear by the end of this century. This decline disproportionately affects **minority languages**—those spoken by a smaller number of people, often within the political or economic shadow of a dominant national language. The disappearance of a language is not just a loss of vocabulary and grammar; it represents an irreversible loss of **unique cultural heritage**, traditional knowledge, and an entire worldview.

Several factors drive this linguistic shift. **Economic pressure** is a major contributor. In globalized societies, speakers of minority languages often find that the dominant language (such as English, Spanish, or Mandarin) is essential for securing employment, accessing higher education, and participating fully in the national economy. This practical necessity often leads parents to prioritize teaching the dominant language to their children, breaking the chain of **intergenerational transmission** of the minority tongue.

**Political and educational policies** also play a significant role. Historically, many nation-states pursued policies of linguistic assimilation, viewing a single national language as crucial for political unity. This often resulted in education systems that prohibited the use of minority languages in schools, forcing children to abandon their native dialect in favour of the official language. While attitudes are changing, the legacy of these policies continues to impact current language use.

The effort to revitalize endangered languages is multi-faceted. Successful strategies rely heavily on **digital technology** (creating online resources, language apps) and **community-led immersion programs**. However, the key to long-term success lies in achieving **functional necessity**—creating social and economic domains where the minority language is genuinely required for daily life. Without official recognition and meaningful use beyond the home (e.g., in local governance or media), revitalization efforts frequently fail to reverse the trend of decline.