Multiple languages are threatened to become extinct due to many reasons. It is important to acknowledge the fact that it is possible to lose more than just a language. A language could be considered 'extinct', once the people of a tribe no longer teach the youth how to speak the language properly for their nation. Preserving such indigenous languages has extremely high value. It is the voice of a nation. Language allows us to describe the cultural attachment to heritages, and puts meaning within the rituals or activities such groups of individuals do. Furthermore, language plays a major role in binding communities together as a culture, as well as individuals in society. Language can be looked upon as a community itself. Not only do we as individuals speak a language but a history of generations have also spoken it. The language recognises and identifies with you. Once a language 'dies', so do the culture, habits, and religions associated with that language. Not continuing a language causes the younger generation to become distant towards their roots. The younger generations will not be aware of the value of their backgrounds that was taught by their ancestors. I think that old languages should be preserved and kept alive, or at least kept record of to not completely destroy it. The loss of languages is sad, as the world is slowly losing some of its diversity. I strongly believe it is important to preserve indigenous languages, as they contribute towards identity, culture, and personal values.
You've mentioned pretty important points, one perspective of yours that I completely agree with, is how this impacts younger generations; as one other aspect of this is how the loss of indigenous languages might affect these generations personal identities, they might leave their homes feeling ashamed of who they are. As this was seen to happen with one of the women in Siberia, she was too afraid to speak in her native tongue as teachers would stop her from doing so. However, you've mentioned that when these indigenous languages die, "culture, habits and religions associated with that language" die as well. Although, perhaps consider the fact that usually, languages are spoken within communities that share similar cultural values, faiths and so on. So, do you think it might be possible for a 'new' language to be introduced to a community that speaks an indigenous language... but for that community to maintain such values and faiths?
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