ENDANGERED LANGUAGES: STRATEGIES FOR REVITALIZATION AND CULTURAL PRESERVATION

Abstract

The rapid decline of linguistic diversity poses a significant threat to global cultural heritage. Endangered languages, many of which are spoken by small and marginalized communities, encapsulate unique worldviews, oral histories, and traditional knowledge systems. Their extinction often signals not just the loss of communication tools, but the erosion of cultural identity. This paper explores comprehensive strategies for revitalizing endangered languages, including community-driven education, digital documentation, policy advocacy, and intergenerational transmission. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts between linguists, local communities, and governments to foster sustainable language practices. By analyzing successful case studies and identifying critical challenges, the study highlights the importance of preserving linguistic diversity as an essential element of human cultural legacy.