Summary
Many of the world's languages are in danger of disappearing. Out of over 7,000 languages, about 3,000 are considered endangered. Most endangered languages are found in regions like Oceania and Asia.
Key Facts
- There are over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide today.
- Around 3,000 languages, nearly 40-44%, are endangered.
- Endangered languages are spoken in 25 countries, which host about 80% of these languages.
- Oceania has the highest number of endangered languages.
- Asia, Africa, and the Americas follow Oceania in the number of endangered languages.
- Approximately 88.1 million people speak endangered languages as their mother tongue.
- Some endangered languages include Yugambeh in Australia, Ainu in Japan, Ongota in Ethiopia, Louisiana Creole in the U.S., and Leco in Bolivia.
- Endangered languages risk being lost when a more dominant language is passed on to children instead.
