DNR (do not resuscitate): Preparing a language for its last rites

When we think about languages, we often use terms like "living" and "dying." This might seem strange for something that's essentially a system of sounds and symbols, but for linguists and speakers, languages are more than just tools for communication. They carry the stories, traditions, and knowledge of entire communities.

But as with all living things, languages have a life cycle. They're born, they evolve, and sadly, they can die. It's estimated that more languages have died throughout history than are spoken today. Usually, when a language approaches the end of its life cycle (usually signalled by the fact that there are only a handful of elderly speakers left), a variety of language revitalization initiatives get launched as a last-ditch effort to prevent the inevitable. These initiatives might be education campaigns, language classes aimed at younger community members, or the promotion of cultural art forms like stories or songs done in the language. Occasionally, these revitalization efforts prove successful, and a once fledgeling language manages to survive and even thrive. Other times, a language spends its last days withering away on artificial life support. So, how do we know when to pull the plug?

The Inevitability of Language Loss

Just as no living creature lives forever, no language is immune to change or disappearance. Globalization, urbanization, and dominant cultures often lead to the decline and eventual death of smaller, less widely spoken languages. It's important to point out here that I distinguish the natural deterioration of using a particular language from linguicide, which involves artificial measures such as legal/cultural prohibitions against using a language. An argument could be made that language revitalization should always be on the table whenever the decline in a language is due to targeted intervention to erase the language. More often than not, it is the language of a minority culture that suffers this sort of fate, and measures should be taken to reverse this injustice.

Revitalization efforts can sometimes help breathe new life into a struggling language. However, these efforts require substantial time, resources, and community engagement. And, truth be told, not every language is a candidate for successful revitalization. Sometimes, the most realistic approach is to accept a language's fate and prepare for its passing.

The Linguist's Role in Language Death

While it might sound morbid, linguists have an important role to play in the death of a language. Rather than mourning the loss, they can focus on preserving the language's legacy and ensuring that it's not forgotten.

1. Language Description: Creating a comprehensive description of a language is like writing a biography. This involves documenting its sounds, grammar, vocabulary, and how it's used in different contexts. Even after a language is no longer spoken, this description allows future linguists and researchers to study and analyze it.

2. Language Archiving: Archiving a language means creating a digital repository of recordings, texts, and other cultural artefacts. Thanks to advancements in technology, we can now digitize and preserve these materials in interactive formats. This allows future generations to access the language and learn about its culture in an immersive way.

3. Cultural Preservation: A language is more than just words and grammar. It reflects the history, beliefs, and practices of the people who spoke it. By documenting traditional stories, songs, and cultural practices, linguists can help ensure that this rich cultural heritage isn't lost along with the language.

Dying with Dignity: Preserving Cultural Memory

By taking these steps, linguists can help a language "die with dignity." Rather than simply disappearing without a trace, the language leaves behind a wealth of information about its speakers and their culture. This serves as a valuable resource for future generations and allows them to connect with their past.

Moreover, these efforts can have broader benefits. They can raise awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to protect endangered languages. They can also offer insights into human cognition, history, and cultural evolution.

While language death is a natural process, it doesn't have to be a complete erasure (language extinction). By documenting, archiving, and sharing these languages, we can ensure that their legacy lives on and continues to enrich our understanding of the world.