Around 1,500 endangered and rare languages are at a high risk of being lost in the next century, according to a study of thousands of spoken languages. The study found that unless there is intervention, the world could lose at least one language per month, with language loss tripling in the next 40 years. The authors recommended "urgent investment" in community-based programs like bilingual education programs and language documentation. Mass language loss has been predicted for decades — with linguists estimating 3,400 to 6,120 languages could become extinct by 2100. Many groups mourn the decline of unique languages and yearn for competency in languages no longer spoken."

Source: Ethiopian News December 17, 2021 19:33 UTC