LINGUIST List 14.1791

Thu Jun 26 2003

Disc: NYT Essay on Endangered Languages

Editor for this issue: Karen Milligan <karenlinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. A.S.Sundar, Endangered Languages

Re Linguist 14.1538



Dear Linguists,

Apropos the discussions on Endangered Languages, I am of the view that
the political marginalisation leading to eventual annihilation of a
'people' starts with neglecting their language first .After
all,languages are not just for communication ;they are carriers of
culture ,tradition and the pride of the speaking group .Hence,it is
primarily the duty of the speakers to protect their language .I feel
the linguists do not have much of a role in saving an endangered
language except ,perhaps to highlight that a particular language is in
the verge of extinction.



A.S.Sundar

Etymologist.