The rapid endangerment and death of many minority languages across the world isa matter of widespread concern not only among linguists and anthropologistsbut am... » 

The rapid endangerment and death of many minority languages across the world isa matter of widespread concern not only among linguists and anthropologistsbut among all concerned with issues of cultural identity in an increasinglyglobalized culture. By some counts only 600 of the 6000 or so languages inthe world are safe from the threat of extinction. A leading commentator andpopular writer on language issues David Crystal asks the fundamental questionWhy is language death so important reviews the reasons for the currentcrisis and investigates what is being done to reduce its impact. The bookcontains not only intelligent argument but moving descriptions of the declineand demise of particular languages and practical advice for anyone interestedin pursuing the subject further. «