endangered languages

USAGE SUMMARY

"endangered languages" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to languages that are at risk of becoming extinct due to a lack of speakers or official support. You can use it in various situations, such as in academic papers, news articles, or casual conversations. Example: "The preservation of endangered languages has become a pressing issue in many countries, as numerous indigenous languages are losing speakers at an alarming rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

S.O.A.S. is not alone in trying to document endangered languages.

The New York Times - Science

Current research interests include language documentation and endangered languages.

The Guardian

Endangered Languages: What We Lose when a Language Dies.

University of California, Berkeley

A year ago, Google announced its Endangered Languages Project, a global crowdsourcing initiative that hopes to collect documents and recordings of endangered languages directly from speakers.

The New Yorker

Linguists and activists are struggling to preserve endangered languages — and even to resurrect extinct ones.

The New Yorker

For many tiny, endangered languages, digital technology has become a lifeline.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the 21st century both Aromanian and Meglenoromanian were severely endangered languages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The endangered languages include Quechua, which is spoken, primarily in the Andes in Colombia to Chile.

The Guardian

But this is also where the environmental metaphor of endangered languages falls apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many of those endangered languages have only a few dozen or a few hundred speakers.

The Guardian - Books

Simply embedding endangered languages into the keyboards of smartphones will not save them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing efforts to preserve or revive "endangered languages", highlight the specific strategies and initiatives being used, such as language immersion programs or digital archiving.

Common error

Avoid using "endangered languages" when referring to languages that are already no longer spoken. "Endangered languages" are still spoken but at risk of disappearing, while extinct languages are no longer in use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endangered languages" functions as a noun phrase, where "endangered" acts as an adjective describing the state of the languages. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "endangered languages" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe languages at risk of extinction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, which spans across various contexts including news, academia, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "vanishing languages" and "threatened languages", offering similar meanings. When using the phrase, be precise about the languages you're discussing and avoid confusing it with "extinct languages". Efforts to preserve these languages often involve revitalization programs and digital archiving, highlighting the urgency and importance of linguistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Languages in danger

Focuses on the state of being at risk rather than the categorization.

Vanishing languages

Emphasizes the process of disappearing.

Dying languages

Highlights the decline and eventual cessation of the languages.

At-risk languages

Similar to "in danger" but provides a slightly more formal tone.

Threatened languages

Indicates an external force causing endangerment.

Vulnerable languages

Suggests a weakness and susceptibility to decline.

Languages facing extinction

Explicitly states the ultimate consequence of endangerment.

Minority languages at risk

Highlights that the speaker of the language represents a minority in the community.

Languages on the verge of extinction

Emphasizes the imminence of language death.

Critically endangered languages

Highlights that the degree of risk and provides a more urgent and immediate threat.

FAQs

How can I use "endangered languages" in a sentence?

You can use "endangered languages" to describe languages that are at risk of extinction. For example, "Many indigenous communities are working to revitalize their "endangered languages"".

What are some synonyms for "endangered languages"?

Some synonyms include "vanishing languages", "dying languages", and "threatened languages". These phrases all refer to languages that are at risk of disappearing.

Which is correct, "endangered languages" or "endangered language"?

"Endangered languages" (plural) is used when referring to the general phenomenon or multiple languages. "Endangered language" (singular) is used when referring to a specific language. For example, "The preservation of "endangered languages" is crucial" versus "Navajo is an "endangered language"".

What's the difference between "endangered languages" and "extinct languages"?

"Endangered languages" are still spoken by some people but are at risk of disappearing, while "extinct languages" are no longer spoken by anyone. Efforts are often made to revitalize endangered languages to prevent them from becoming extinct.