Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewProvides an engrossing account of both how languages evolve and interact with one another, and of how much is lost when the last speaker of [a language] dies. -- Michael Dirda * Washington Post *
Warning of the loss of linguistic diversity as speakers are assimilated to global languages, Dalby argues that language loss entails an irreplaceable loss of local cultural knowledge... [T]his is a successful presentation of a key argument for preserving linguistic diversity. * Choice *
Passionate and lucid... the whole book works up to a magnificent final chapter... ardent, dignified, and convincing. * The Spectator *
A wide-ranging and lucid study of how languages die. * Sunday Telegraph *
This argument about why we should care about the present-day loss of languages is convincing. * Publishers Weekly *
Andrew Dalby (2003), as author of
Language in Danger provides an interesting account of how languages evolve and interact with one another... The aim to promote awareness for cultural linguistic diversity, regardless of globalisation, can be heard loud and clear. -- Nicholas Alexis Zoffel * Language and Intercultural Communication *
Table of Contents1. Language and Our Species
2. Language and Change
3. Language and Community
4. Language and Nation
5. How to Become a Global Language
6. When We Lose a Language
7. The Loss of Diversity
