Extinction of Languages

Colonialism

Historically, colonialism has set in place systems in which
the extinction of indigenous communities and their cultures is beneficial. Language plays a key role in the process of colonialism; communicating through lingua franca and also cultural assimilation/genocide.

"During colonization, colonizers usually imposed
their language onto the peoples they colonized,
forbidding natives to speak their mother tongues. In some
cases colonizers systematically prohibited native
languages. Many writers educated under colonization
recount how students were demoted, humiliated, or even
beaten for speaking their native language in colonial
schools." (Shakib, 2011)

Effects on Indigenous Communities

Language extinciton leading to loss of culture.

Loss of spirituality as a result of cultural assimiliation;
negative impacts upon mental health.

Culturicide

Part of the process of colonialism; destruction of
native language/means of communictation is beneficial to colonising process.

Maybe a global cultural genocide occurring: a
shift towards consumerist culture globally. Goes hand in hand with transitions of languages to lingua francas. It is easier to advertise if all people speak the same language.

Development of Languages vs. Language Extinction

Languages naturally develop over time; older forms of common languages are not considered extinct languages. These languages like Old English, live on through modern English.

Extinciton of a language is when its last native speaker dies. It is not a natural part of the language development process. It is the end of a language's development.

Globalization

Global economy means trade happens in lingua francas; Mandirin, Arabic, English, French, Russian, Spanish

Dominant culture is that of the American consumer; American culture and language diminishing unique cultures/languages

Industralism

Globalized capitalism means more jobs require a lingua franca.

Increased commuting/migration to indusrial centres
means less isolated communities; therefore less likelihood of conserving unique languages.

Influence of Internet

Foreign media more influential as a result of
the internet.

Less international boundaries/differences; more connected world.

Causes of Language Death

Language death is typically as a result of colonialsim. Cultural transition to that of the colinising state is the main factor that leads to the extinction of native language. For workers in a colinised state to survive, they must conduct themselves in the language used by the colonisers.

Migration and urbanization area also major factors contirbuting towards language death. As people move towards ubranized areas for work they are surrounded with the dominant culture's language.