Title
When Languages Die: The Extinction of the World's Languages and the Erosion of Human Knowledge (Oxford Studies in Sociolinguisti,Used
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It is commonly agreed by linguists and anthropologists that the majority of languages spoken now around the globe will likely disappear within our lifetime. The phenomenon known as language death has started to accelerate as the world has grown smaller.This extinction of languages, and the knowledge therein, has no parallel in human history. K. David Harrison's book is the first to focus on the essential question, what is lost when a language dies? What forms of knowledge are embedded in a language's structure and vocabulary? And how harmful is it to humanity that such knowledge is lost forever?Harrison spans the globe from Siberia, to North America, to the Himalayas and elsewhere, to look at the human knowledge that is slowly being lost as the languages that express it fade from sight. He uses fascinating anecdotes and portraits of some of these languages' last remaining speakers, in order to demonstrate that this knowledge about ourselves and the world is inherently precious and once gone, will be lost forever. This knowledge is not only our cultural heritage (oral histories, poetry, stories, etc.) but very useful knowledge about plants, animals, the seasons, and other aspects of the natural worldnot to mention our understanding of the capacities of the human mind. Harrison's book is a testament not only to the pressing issue of language death, but to the remarkable span of human knowledge and ingenuity. It will fascinate linguists, anthropologists, and general readers.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'When Languages Die'? A: 'When Languages Die' explores the phenomenon of language extinction and the loss of knowledge associated with dying languages, emphasizing the cultural and cognitive implications.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The book is authored by K. David Harrison, a linguist and anthropologist known for his work on endangered languages.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 304 pages.
- Q: What is the format of the book? A: 'When Languages Die' is available in hardcover format.
- Q: When was this book published? A: The book was published on February 1, 2007.
- Q: What kind of audience would benefit from reading this book? A: The book is suitable for linguists, anthropologists, and general readers interested in language, culture, and human knowledge.
- Q: Does the book include real-life examples of language extinction? A: Yes, the author includes anecdotes and portraits of last remaining speakers of dying languages to illustrate the knowledge that is being lost.
- Q: Is there any specific geographical focus in the book? A: Yes, Harrison spans various regions, including Siberia, North America, and the Himalayas, to discuss the global issue of language death.
- Q: What is the significance of the knowledge embedded in languages? A: The knowledge embedded in languages encompasses cultural heritage, oral histories, and valuable information about the natural world, which is irreplaceable once lost.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for studies in sociolinguistics? A: Yes, 'When Languages Die' is part of the Oxford Studies in Sociolinguistics series and serves as a valuable reference for sociolinguistic studies.