With that being said, we are sad to see that some languages are in fact going extinct. Google is doing their part as a worldwide service to provide these languages a lifeline:

As Google sees it, documenting the 3,000-plus languages that are on the verge of extinction — about half of all languages in the world — is an important step in preserving cultural diversity, honoring the knowledge of elders and empowering youth. And Google sees technology’s role in strengthening those efforts through research and collaboration.

This collaboration is through a website www.endangeredlanguages.com where people can upload the languages and share the most up-to-date information about them. An example is seen in the Miami-Illinois language, once spoken by Native American communities throughout the region. Although the last known person who spoke this language died in 1960, a contributor to the project is teaching himself the language through old documents. Because of this, children in Miami are now learning the language and even teaching it to each other.

If you know a language that is becoming extinct, post it in the comments or through the website and we will all do our best to preserve the language. Also, check out the video below to learn more about the project.

Information from: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/endangered-languages-project-supporting.html

Image from: http://www.endangeredlanguages.com

A study put on by the Common Sense Advisory found that more translation in Africa could improve economic development, human rights, and even save lives. The study titled “The Need for Translation in Africa” surveyed a total of 364 interpreters and translators for African languages in 49 countries. Combined, these people represented 269 different languages.

269 languages is a large amount, but that only accounts for a little more than 10% of the languages on the continent. Major languages are used by millions of people such as Amharic, Berber, Hausa, Igbo, Oromo, Swahili, and Yoruba, however, across the continent there are over 2000 languages. Problems occur because of the 2000 languages, only 63 are used in the judicial system and around 56 are used in public administration.

Some of the data from the study is as follows:

• 97.14% of respondents said greater access to translated information would help individuals in Africa understand their legal rights.
• 95.85% of respondents said greater access to translated information would help protect human rights in Africa.
• 94.92% of respondents said greater access to translated information would have a positive impact on the collective health of people in Africa.
• 94.87% of respondents said greater access to translated information would help Africans in times of emergency or natural disasters.
• 91.96% of respondents said greater access to translated information would help people in Africa contribute to the political process.
• 88.78% of respondents said greater access to translated information would help prevent international, civil, ethnic, or communal conflict in Africa.
• 63.07% of respondents said greater access to translated information could have prevented the loss of life of Africans in their family or circle of friends.

If you are interested in looking into some data collected here is a link to the study: http://www.commonsenseadvisory.com/Portals/0/downloads/Africa.pdf

Picture taken from: http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/students/curriculum/m8/map1.php
Source: http://kontax.com/Greater_Access_to_Translation_Could_Save_Lives_and_Protect_Human_Rights_in_Africa-341-en.html