Social Media Saving Endangered Languages
A scientist says digital tools including Facebook, YouTube and text messaging will save some of the world’s endangered languages. More than half of the world’s 7,000 languages are expected to be extinct by the end of this century. Experts said some languages are being preserved through elements of the “modern world,” especially digital technology. “Small languages are using social media, YouTube, text messaging and various technologies to expand their voice and expand their presence,” said K. David Harrison, an associate professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College and a National Geographic fellow. Harrison, along with National Geographic, has produced eight audio dictionaries for languages that are in danger of becoming extinct. Harrison said not all languages can survive, but new digital tools offer a way for some languages to live longer.
A scientist says digital tools including Facebook, YouTube and text messaging will save some of the world’s endangered languages. More than half of the world’s 7,000 languages are expected to be extinct by the end of this century. Experts said some languages are being preserved through elements of the “modern world,” especially digital technology. “Small languages are using social media, YouTube, text messaging and various technologies to expand their voice and expand their presence,” said K. David Harrison, an associate professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College and a National Geographic fellow. Harrison, along with National Geographic, has produced eight audio dictionaries for languages that are in danger of becoming extinct. Harrison said not all languages can survive, but new digital tools offer a way for some languages to live longer.
