The Most Endangered Language Has Just One Living Speaker, And She’s Trying to Save It

She was also honored with the Order of the Baobab in Silver by the Republic of South Africa for “her excellent contribution to the preservation of a language that is facing a threat of extinction. Her determination to make the project successful has inspired young generations to learn.”

Why Should People Care About an Endangered Language?

29032023 Unveiling ceremony: Khoisan San N|uu language dictionary written by Her Excellency ǂXuu Katrina Esau. This was followed by her capping as an honorary Doctrate recipient.Photo:Lerato Maduna

Unfortunately, languages die every year, and bits of history and culture die with them. Although this slow extinction is inevitable in the modern world, it depletes society of a certain richness. After all, it’s not just a way of speaking; language reflects how people think, feel, express themselves, and see the world around them. It’s a core part of identity.

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