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Language Death. David CrystaL New York: Cambridge University Press, 2000. 198 pp.
David Crystal has produced a rare book on at least two counts. First, it can be read profitably and enjoyably by both academics (anthropologists, linguists, etc.) and the wider public. Second, it is a linguistic book written with passion, as Crystal vigorously raises the alarm about the high and growing number of languages that are in danger of extinction and calls for aggressive action to reverse this trend. Just as activists around the world are calling for protection and support for endangered biological species, Crystal calls for action to support endangered languages.
Language death happens when nobody speaks a language anymore, usually because of language shift, as people from the cultural community do not pass on their traditional language to the next generation. Sometimes community members see no reason to preserve their language, but activists see this as an attitude that outsiders should work to change. Clearly, there is a clash of viewpoints in many cases.
The organization of the book is straightforward, progressing from...