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Save Chinese Endangered Languages

01/02/2023 0:00 - 31/12/2032 0:00

Multiple Locations | Multiple Locations

China is a country with more than 300 different languages, and with Mandarin Chinese being the official language, many of its indigenous languages are gradually becoming marginalized and are on the verge of being extinct if no effort of preserving them is made. So I believe that using my podcast channel as a platform to promote awareness of saving endangered languages is definitely something truly meaningful to do.

The main activity that I am planning within the context of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022 – 2032 is regarding data collection on the 137 endangered languages in China. The idea is all about asking for help from people on social media.

My approach will be different than the traditional method, usually known as field linguistics. I am planning to ask people to use their cellphones to collect those endangered languages’ data. They do not need to have any expertise in linguistics or languages. For example, when someone in China travels to a place where they get a rare chance to meet and talk to a person speaking one of the endangered languages, this traveler can collect any kind of data on that language, as much as they want to. I will then ask them to send me the data and I will categorize them accordingly. Every piece of data they collect, in formats of video, audio, writing, etc., will become significantly crucial for future research in linguistics, especially when any of those languages, unfortunately, becomes extinct. I will build this corpus little by little as I receive more and more data as time goes by. I believe that the power of social media and the mass population on it will make a collective contribution to the preservation of endangered languages in China and beyond. 

 

137 Endangered Languages in  China
Amok language
Anung language
Aqaw Gelao language
Ayizi language
Chintaw language
Dagur language
Fuyu Kyrgyz language
Green Gelao language
Ili Turki language
Kanakanavu language
Kavalan language
Kilen language
Laji language
Lamu language
Lopnor Uighur
Manchu language
Manchu language
Manchurian Kirghiz language
Mra language
Na language
Nataoran language
Patua language
Red Gelao language
Saaroa language
Samatao language
Samatu language
She language
Thao language
Aluo language
Bola language
Bonan language
Bori language
Buryat language
Chesu language
Choyi language
Cosung language
Ersu language
Gazhuo language
Hu language
Idu language
Jinuo language
Jiongnai Bunu language
Jone language
Kathu language
Khamba language
Khamnigan Mongol language
Lai language
Lajia language
Laomian language
Mak language
Mang language
Minhe Monguor language
Miqie language
Mo’ang language
Mok language
Motuo Menba language
Muji language
Numao Bunu language
Ordos language
Oyrat language
Pakan language
Pupeo language
Rao language
Sarikoli language
Shixing language
Sinkiang Dagur language
Solon language
Sulung language
Tangwang language
Tinan language
U language
Utsat language
Wakhi language
Wunai Bunu language
Wutun language
Younuo Bunu language
Zaiwa language
Buyang language
Evenki language
Gangou language
Huzhu Monguor language
Kangjia language
Laemae language
Manchurian Ölöt language
Mulao language
Nanay language
Northern Tujia language
Saisiyat language
Samei language
Sanyi language
Saryg Yugur language
Shira Yugur language
Sibe language
Southern Tujia language
White Gelao language
Yerong language
Adi language
Amis language
Baheng language
Baima language
Bokar language
Bunun language
Guichong language
Hlersu language
Khmin language
Ladakhi language
Lalo language
Maonan language
Miju language
Muda language
Mulam language
Muya language
Naluo language
Namuyi language
Paiwan language
Phula language
Pyuma language
Rukai language
Salar language
Sangkong language
Santa language
Sherpa language
Shingsaba language
Talu language
Tanglang language
Taroko language
Taruang language
Tawang language
Tayal language
Tshangla language
Tsou language
Tuvan language
Waxiang language
Wuse language
Yami language
Zaozou language
Zhaba language