Disappearing Languages

Linguists estimate that around seven thousand languages are spoken in the world today.

语言学家估计，当今世界上大约有7000种语言在使用。

Alarmingly, nearly half of them are considered endangered.

令人担忧的是，其中近一半被认为处于濒危状态。

A language typically disappears when parents stop passing it on to their children.

一种语言通常会在父母不再把它传给孩子时消失。

This often happens because a dominant language offers better economic opportunities.

这种情况往往是因为强势语言能提供更好的经济机会。

When a language vanishes, a unique way of understanding the world is lost with it.

一种语言消失时，一种理解世界的独特方式也随之消失。

Many languages contain detailed knowledge about local plants, animals and landscapes.

许多语言蕴含着有关当地植物、动物和地貌的详细知识。

Fortunately, communities are using recordings and apps to revive their heritage.

幸运的是，各个社群正在利用录音和应用程序来复兴自己的文化遗产。

Some languages once thought extinct have even been successfully brought back to life.

一些曾被认为已经消亡的语言甚至已成功复活。

Such efforts demonstrate that decline is not always irreversible.

这些努力表明，衰落并不总是不可逆转的。