(A smattering of their children speak it through sheer willpower whenever they can buttonhole a comprehending ear, but some, like this writer, grew up nagging parents to speak English and regrettably saw their first language wither).
Its story, narrated in an alien language, is at heart an ecological parable, with the forest left withered and lifeless by unnatural forces.
There was Soo-Young Lee, a clarinetist from South Korea, now working in Austria, whose sincere belief that music is the universal language would wither any cynic.
As a nation, Scotland has neglected its Gaelic culture and language; allowing it to wither from lack of funding at a time when Ireland and Wales, by comparison, are eager to preserve and nourish their ancient tongues, each in the knowledge that they have been bequeathed a rare and delicate gift.
The judges' language was often withering: "patently incredible," "riddled with exaggerations," "unworthy of belief".
She reacted to the news by collating 228 of the English language's most withering words into a newspaper article about the town in which she (and I) grew up.
If there are no domains (school, travel, grandparents) where only one of the two languages will do, "children are very good at judging whether it is worth maintaining a language or letting it wither away".
In the language of Washington, calling someone "partisan" is a withering insult, whereas "bipartisanship" is a state of heavenly enchantment.
Culture, environment (read: withering heat and humidity), language and relationship status.
So withering are the harsh critiques and "hostile language" encouraged in meetings that even the most cool-headed rationalistic techies are driven to outpourings of emotion and fear.
