The little world of diminishing languages
The spread of education and the rapidly evolving culture has put a dent to many languages in the world. Coupled with intermarriages and National language policies many weak cultures are slowly losing their lingual Identity. What can be done? Today marks the UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day. Celebrated on February 21 st of every year, the day aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. According to UNESCO, “Every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage.” In Africa alone, over three hundred are on the verge of extinction. For example, Sudan has over 60 languages listed in the endangered category. In Kenya, the Yakunte language is on the brink of extinction. Spoken fluently by only seven elderly members, the language faces a huge threat from the Maasai. Although the Yaaku (speakers of Yakunte) community is estimated to have a population of 10,000, there seem to be no interest in the lang...