This list of 10 endangered languages in the world contains languages that are rarely used and might soon be forgotten. Language is one of the vital parts of human society. It is also one of the trademarks of a culture, country or region. Before spoken language, we’ve learned to communicate with each other through gestures and actions. It’s amazing that despite our varied geography all of us were able to develop our own words and associations. These languages eventually developed into the common languages we know today. There are however a few languages in the world that are dying out.
A language that is endangered may have become so because of different factors and reasons. There might be a more common language that’s being used in the region or country that causes the language to die out. It could also be because the people that are speaking the language are also becoming fewer in numbers. New generations tend to adapt to the world view of modern society. They start to adapt languages that are more commonly known. Even through education, children are brought up to learn more common languages.
It’s not easy to learn a new language, and it’s good that the world, in general, knows and acknowledges English as an international medium. If you’re looking for another language to study then check out The 5 Easiest Second Languages to Learn for English Speakers. Let’s find out more about these 10 endangered languages as we start this list:
10. Qawasqar
A language spoken in Southern Chile is slowly dying out because the people that still use this language are dying out as well. There are an estimated 20 speakers left of this endangered language. Qawasqar was derived from the original people that spoke the language, the Kawesqar.
9. Tanema
This language is found in the easternmost part of the Solomon Islands in the island of Vanikoro. There is only 1 known native speaker left as most people on the island have adopted languages that are more common in the region. If you find yourself in the area you’ll most often encounter the languages of Pijin and Teanu.
8. Taushiro
A language that was previously found common in Peru, Taushiro was the common tongue of the area of the Tigre and Aucayu River. During a study, there was only one known fluent speaker of Taushiro left. Many of the people in the region have gone off and married non-speakers. A good portion of their population has also adopted Spanish languages.
7. Tinigua
This language can be found in Colombia. Although you’ll hardly find anyone else speaking Tinigua as there is only one known speaker left. Tinigua originated from a language that is now considered extinct. You’ll find that most people in the region that used to speak Tinigua no longer speak the language.
6. Tolowa
Originating from a Native American Tribe of the same name, Tolowa was once part of a great number of languages from different parts of the region. Now there is only one known speaker left. You’ll often find members of the tribe near Crescent City, California.
The most endangered languages are yet to be mentioned. Let’s continue this list of 10 Endangered Languages in the World.
5. Vilela
Vilela was once a thriving language in Argentina with about three known dialects. Now there is only a handful of elders known to speak the language. Most of the people in the region have slowly adapted the more popular Toba language and the influential Spanish languages. Out of the three dialects, only one has survived.
4. Volow
This language can be found on Molatava Island in the Republic of Vanuatu. The republic is comprised of different islands that speak their own languages depending on their location. Larger islands usually have different languages altogether. There is only one known speaker of Volow today.
3. Wintu-Nomlaki
This language can be found from a tribe in California. The Wintu-Nomlaki language is a mix of languages from two tribes the Wintu or Wintuan and the Nomlaki. There is only one known fluent speaker of the language. There are others who still know a good amount of words though not as fluent.
2. Yaghan
Spoken by the Yagan people of Chile, it was known as one of the earliest languages ever recorded by European explorers. There is no apparent origin of the language. As of now there is only one fluent speaker left.
1. Yarawe
This language found in Papua New Guinea was once the most popular language in the country in the 20th century. However recent events have led many, especially elders to speak the Binandere language instead. As a result Yarawe is becoming less and less known and is considered endangered.
That has been the list of 10 endangered languages in the world. We can never really tell when a popular language will die out.
