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Question
#20999. ZeeLion
asks:
Is there any reason as to why a language 'dies' or becomes extinct aside from its native speakers dying out?
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Kali
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I'd say because children have to learn English in schools, but no one enforces the use of their native language, so they end up speaking English most of the time or only teaching their children English.
Jul 30 02, 4:16 PM
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myguess
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Yes, the lack of education about a particular dialect and its correct usage adds to the language disintegration. Derivatives of the language, because of the lack of understanding on correct usage, become its replacement.
(American English, Ebonics)
Jul 30 02, 5:47 PM
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kolchak
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There was a similar question yesterday but this one is more specific. The best example I can point out of a language that is on its way to extinction is French. Whereas English, Spanish, and other 'living' languages are growing in popularity is because they 'steal' words from other languages and incorporate them, enriching themselves. The French are going out of their way and making laws to prevent this, which will result in fewer people wanting to speak a language that is stagnant, not growing and evolving as a language should. I don't know if this can account for the demise of other languages, but I doubt that they had such a conscious, concerted effort by their speakers to kill them off.
Jul 31 02, 4:51 AM
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kiwi in oz
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There's also the effect of colonial powers absolutely barring the use of native languages of the countries they were so good at conquering. Language is the soul of a nation and if you take it away the nation will lose it's identity. Not as effective as guns of course.
Aug 06 02, 5:05 AM
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