This book presents the first comprehensive survey of the languages of the Pacific rim, a vast region containing the greatest typological and genetic diversity in the world. As its languages decline and disappear, sometimes without trace, this rich linguistic heritage is rapidly eroding. Distinguished scholars report on the current state of the region's languages. Their analyses range from the regional to the local and focus on languages in a wide variety of social and ecological settings. Together they make a compelling case for research throughout the region, and show how and where this needs to be done.