Road density and schooling levels are linked to rising language endangerment
In short: Researchers analyzing 6,511 spoken languages found that contact with other languages is not a primary driver of language loss. Instead, the study observed that higher road density and increased average years of schooling are associated with greater language endangerment.
By examining 51 different predictors—ranging from socioeconomic indicators to environmental features—the study highlights how infrastructure and education policy may impact linguistic diversity. However, as an observational study, it identifies associations rather than direct causes.
The researchers also projected that, if current trends continue without intervention, the rate of language disappearance could triple over the next four decades.
Why it matters: Infrastructure and education policies may play a significant role in the accelerating loss of global linguistic diversity.
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Sources
- Source: Research: Bromham et al. (2021). Global predictors of language endangerment and the future of linguistic diversity. Nature Ecology & Evolution. · cc-by
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