Language extinction is a pressing concern as globalisation, urbanisation, and the dominance of major world languages like English, Mandarin, and Spanish continue to threaten linguistic diversity. According to UNESCO, nearly half of the world's 7,000 languages are at risk of disappearing by 2050.
As a leader in Translation Services Singapore, we recognise the vital role of Certified Translation and ISO Certified Translation in preserving linguistic heritage. Here’s a look at some languages that may vanish by 2050:
Ainu (Japan) 
Why It’s Endangered:
Spoken by the indigenous Ainu people in Japan.
Fewer than 10 native speakers remain.
Historical suppression by Japanese policies. 
Revival Efforts: Japan has recognised the Ainu as an indigenous group and initiated cultural preservation projects.
Yuchi (United States) 
Why It’s Endangered:
Spoken by the Yuchi people, a Native American tribe.
Only 4-5 fluent speakers remain, mostly elderly.
Decline due to assimilation and forced English education. Revival Efforts: Community-led programs and online language courses aim to sustain it.
Cornish (United Kingdom) 
Why It’s Endangered:
A Celtic language from Cornwall, England.
Declared extinct in the 18th century but undergoing revival.
Fewer than 2,000 speakers, mostly learners. Revival Efforts: Cultural programs and schools are reintroducing Cornish.
Irish Gaelic (Ireland) 
Why It’s Endangered:
An official language of Ireland, yet spoken by less than 2% daily.
English media and education dominance. Revival Efforts: The Irish government mandates Gaelic education, though English remains preferred.
Manx (Isle of Man) 
Why It’s Endangered:
A Celtic language spoken on the Isle of Man.
The last native speaker died in 1974.
Around 2,000 learners are keeping it alive. Revival Efforts: Manx is now taught in schools, fostering bilingual generations.
Cherokee (United States)
Why It’s Endangered:
Indigenous language of the Cherokee Nation.
Fewer than 2,000 fluent speakers.
Language loss due to forced assimilation policies. Revival Efforts: Cherokee immersion schools are promoting language revival.
Ts’ixa (Botswana) 
Why It’s Endangered:
Spoken by the San (Bushmen) people in Botswana.
Fewer than 200 speakers remain.
Pressure from dominant languages like Tswana and English. Revival Efforts: Community teaching and linguistic documentation are ongoing.
Ongota (Ethiopia) 
Why It’s Endangered:
Spoken by a small group in Ethiopia.
Only 12 native speakers remain.
Shift to Amharic among younger generations. Revival Efforts: Linguists are actively recording and preserving the language.
Dusner (Indonesia) 
Why It’s Endangered:
Only three native speakers left as of 2011.
Natural disasters and displacement accelerated its decline. Revival Efforts: Efforts are ongoing to document the language.
Ayapaneco (Mexico) 
Why It’s Endangered:
Spoken in Tabasco, Mexico.
Only two fluent speakers left, reportedly unwilling to speak to each other.
Spanish dominance has nearly erased it. Revival Efforts: Schools and online courses are being developed to pass it on to younger generations.
Final Thoughts
Many languages are at risk due to colonisation, globalisation, and urbanisation. However, with dedicated Translation Services Singapore, Certified Translation, and ISO Certified Translation, we can contribute to language preservation efforts worldwide.
Would you like insights into language revitalisation strategies or how Translation Singapore can support these efforts? Let’s discuss how we can help preserve linguistic diversity! 