endangered language

USAGE SUMMARY

"endangered language" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to languages which are in danger of becoming extinct due to a lack of native speakers. For example, "The Wampanoag language is an endangered language, as fewer and fewer people are fluent in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

A fourth endangered language crackled over the airwaves — that of left-wing revolution.

The New Yorker

I think all linguists should record at least one endangered language as part of their career.

The New York Times - Science

Finally, we learn from the School's linguists about their endangered language research.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Another endangered language being highlighted in both the Poetry Gathering and the PEN festival is Euskera, or Basque.

The New York Times

In Europe, 55 million people, 10% of the EU's population, speak a regional, minority or endangered language.

The Guardian

In any community that speaks an endangered language, there are often groups who think the language is not worth saving.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

With just under 300 Native Hawaiian speakers worldwide, according to the Endangered Language Project, this addition is the app's second foray into digitizing niche and endangered languages for a new generation.

TechCrunch

Finally, the course will examine ethical modes of fieldwork within endangered-language communities.

Stanford University

"Have you given any thought to a little bit less control?" It's a question the endangered-language advocates of FirstVoices, a digital-technology initiative based in British Columbia, have been asking for three years.

The New Yorker

Lamassu and his fellow poets will read their new works as part of the Southbank Centre's Poetry International festival in October, which will also feature an exhibition of the endangered-language poems submitted by the public.

The Guardian - Books

$500 will defray staff costs to accession a new digital collection of endangered-language documentary materials in the California Language Archive.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "endangered language" to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of linguistic diversity.

Common error

Avoid using "endangered language" interchangeably with "dialect". A dialect is a regional or social variety of a language, while an endangered language is at risk of disappearing entirely. Dialects can exist within healthy, widely spoken languages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endangered language" functions as a noun phrase, where 'endangered' modifies the noun 'language'. Ludwig AI confirms it's a standard and usable phrase, exemplified by numerous instances across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

32%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "endangered language" is a well-established and frequently used term to describe languages at risk of extinction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, the phrase serves to inform and advocate for the preservation of linguistic diversity. When writing about this topic, it's important to differentiate between "endangered languages" and dialects, and to cite credible sources when providing information about specific languages and revitalization efforts. Alternatives like "threatened language" and "vanishing language" can add variety to your writing, while maintaining clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critically endangered language

Highlights the high level of endangerment according to a classification.

threatened language

Replaces "endangered" with a synonym, emphasizing the risk of extinction.

dying language

Emphasizes the ongoing process of language death.

vanishing language

Highlights the gradual disappearance of the language.

imperiled language

Synonym for endangered, emphasizing the presence of danger.

moribund language

Focuses on the state of decline and near-extinction of the language.

language in decline

Emphasizes the process of deterioration of the language's use.

language facing extinction

Highlights the threat of complete disappearance.

language at risk

Indicates the vulnerability of the language.

minority language

Focuses on the smaller number of speakers compared to dominant languages; the minority language might be endangered but not always.

FAQs

What does it mean for a language to be "endangered"?

An "endangered language" is a language that is at risk of disappearing because its speakers are dying out or ceasing to speak it. This often occurs when a dominant language replaces a minority language.

Why is it important to preserve "endangered languages"?

Preserving "endangered languages" is crucial because each language carries unique cultural knowledge, history, and ways of thinking. Losing a language means losing a part of human heritage and diversity. Revitalization efforts can help maintain cultural identity and linguistic diversity.

What are some strategies for revitalizing an "endangered language"?

Strategies for revitalizing an "endangered language" include language immersion programs, creating educational materials, promoting intergenerational transmission of the language, and using technology to document and share the language. Community involvement is key to successful revitalization.

What can I say instead of "endangered language"?

You can use alternatives like "threatened language", "vanishing language", or "language at risk" depending on the context.