The video discusses the threat of extinction faced by many languages worldwide, with over 7,000 languages spoken today but a significant portion at risk. It explains that language death occurs when communities abandon their native languages, leading to the loss of fluency. The impact of societal pressures, such as government policies or cultural shifts, is highlighted, alongside examples like the Soviet Union and China. Despite the rarity of language revival, Hebrew stands as a unique example, revived in the early 20th century. The importance of linguistic diversity is emphasized, likening languages to temples that embody the essence of a culture, contrasting with the lifelessness of a museum.
Vocabulary:
• Extinction - The state or process of ceasing to exist.
• Dominant - Having power and influence over others.
• Subtle - Not obvious or easily noticeable.
• Revived - Brought back to life or existence.
• Enshrined - To preserve or cherish as sacred.
• Diversity - The inclusion of different types of people or things.
• Museum - A building where objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited.
• Fortnight - A period of two weeks.
• Fluently - able to express oneself easily and articulately in a language.
• Revived - brought back to life or existence.
• Abandon - to cease to support or look after; desert.
• Temple - a place devoted to religious or spiritual activities.
• Essence - the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
Source: The Economist