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| An '''extinct language''' (also called a '''dead language''') is a ] which no longer has any ]s. |
An '''extinct language''' (also called a '''dead language''') is a ] which no longer has any ]s. This might occur when a language evolves into a different form of speech after a gradual assimilation with external linguistic elements, or when a language is directly replaced by a different one. Examples of the first type include ], which after intermixture with local elements it evolved into the ], and ], which evolved into the modern ]. Examples of the second type include ], which was replaced by ], and many ], which were replaced by ], ], ], or ]. | ||
| In some cases, an extinct language remains in use for ], ], or ] functions. Long after evolving into more modern languages, the classical forms of Latin, and Sanskrit have been used for scientific ]s. ], ], ], and ] are among the many extinct languages used as ]s. | In some cases, an extinct language remains in use for ], ], or ] functions. Long after evolving into more modern languages, the classical forms of Latin, and Sanskrit have been used for scientific ]s. ], ], ], and ] are among the many extinct languages used as ]s. | ||
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An extinct language (also called a dead language) is a language which no longer has any native speakers. This might occur when a language evolves into a different form of speech after a gradual assimilation with external linguistic elements, or when a language is directly replaced by a different one. Examples of the first type include Latin, which after intermixture with local elements it evolved into the Romance languages, and Sanskrit, which evolved into the modern Indo-Aryan languages. Examples of the second type include Coptic, which was replaced by Arabic, and many Native American languages, which were replaced by English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
In some cases, an extinct language remains in use for scientific, legal, or ecclesiastical functions. Long after evolving into more modern languages, the classical forms of Latin, and Sanskrit have been used for scientific neologisms. Old Church Slavonic, Avestan, Coptic, and Ge'ez are among the many extinct languages used as sacred languages.
A language that does have living native speakers is called a living language. Ethnologue claims there are 6,912 living languages known.
In at least one case, Hebrew, an extinct language has been revived to become a living language. Other cases such as Manx and Cornish are disputed, as it is not clear they will ever become the common native language of a community of speakers.
See also
- Language death
- Linguicide
- Category:Last native speakers
- Endangered language
- List of extinct languages.
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