Globalization, with its dominant languages and cultures, has led to the decline of many indigenous languages.

UNESCO estimates that over 3,000 languages are endangered, with many facing imminent extinction.

Languages embody traditional knowledge about biodiversity, are spoken in areas with high biodiversity, and are used to communicate about biodiversity.

The loss of a language leads to the loss of cultural identity, hampers the transmission of traditional knowledge, and makes it difficult to manage and conserve biodiversity.

Kawaiisu, a Native American language spoken in California, became extinct in 2019 with the passing of its last fluent speaker.

Initiatives to preserve endangered languages include documenting and recording them, establishing language revitalization programs, and promoting multilingual education.

Conserving endangered languages is important for protecting cultural diversity, preserving traditional knowledge, and promoting sustainable development.

Individuals can support language revitalization efforts by learning an endangered language, supporting organizations working on language revitalization, and advocating for language rights.

UNESCO is actively involved in promoting language diversity and revitalization through various programs and initiatives.

Language documentation creates a record of the language, aids in the study of language change, and facilitates the development of language revitalization materials.

The revival of the Hawaiian language, the revitalization of the Maori language, and the preservation of the Ainu language are all examples of successful language revitalization projects.

Language revitalization efforts face challenges such as lack of funding and resources, negative attitudes towards endangered languages, and difficulty in finding fluent speakers.

Promoting multilingualism in education enhances cognitive development, fosters cultural understanding, and prepares students for a globalized world.

Technology can be used to document and archive endangered languages, create language learning resources, and connect speakers of endangered languages.

Language endangerment can lead to the loss of traditional ecological knowledge, hinder communication about environmental issues, and contribute to the decline of biodiversity.