Language Death - Hardcover

Crystal, David

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521653215 ISBN 13: 9780521653213

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

The rapid endangerment and death of many minority languages across the world is a matter of widespread concern, not only among linguists and anthropologists but among all concerned with issues of cultural identity in an increasingly globalized culture. By some counts, only 600 of the 6000 or so languages in the world are 'safe' from the threat of extinction. A leading commentator and popular writer on language issues, David Crystal asks the fundamental question, 'Why is language death so important?', reviews the reasons for the current crisis, and investigates what is being done to reduce its impact. The book contains not only intelligent argument, but moving descriptions of the decline and demise of particular languages, and practical advice for anyone interested in pursuing the subject further.

About this title

Book Description:

The endangerment and death of minority languages across the world is a matter of widespread concern. A leading commentator on language issues, David Crystal asks the question, 'Why is language death so important?', reviews the reasons for the current crisis, and investigates what is being done to reduce its impact.

About the Author:

David Crystal is one of the world's foremost authorities on language, and as editor of the Cambridge Encyclopedia database has used the Internet for research purposes from its earliest manifestations. His work for the technology company AND Classification Data Limited has involved him in the development of an information classification system with several Internet applications and he has extensive professional experience of Web issues. Professor Crystal is author of the hugely successful Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language (1987; Second Edition 1997), Cambridge Encyclopedia of the English Language (1995), English as a Global Language (1997), Language Death (2000) and Language and the Internet (2001). An internationally renowned writer, journal editor, lecturer and broadcaster, he received an OBE in 1995 for his services to the study and teaching of language. His edited books include The Cambridge Encyclopedia (1990; Second Edition 1994; Third Edition 1997; Fourth Edition 2000), The Cambridge Paperback Encyclopedia (1993; Second Edition 1995; Third Edition 1999), The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia (1994; Second Edition 1997) and The Cambridge Factfinder (1994; Second Edition 1997; Third Edition 1998; Fourth Edition 2000).

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0521653215
• ISBN 13: 9780521653213
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208