Endangered and Extinct Languages: What Kids Should Know
There are over 7,000 languages spoken in the world today, but many of them are in danger of disappearing forever. According to UNESCO, around 43% of the world’s languages are endangered. That means thousands of unique ways of speaking, thinking, and connecting with culture are at risk.
In this guide, we’ll explore how languages become endangered, the levels of endangerment, and some surprising examples of languages that are disappearing or already extinct. We’ll also look at why children are at the heart of keeping languages alive: how kids learn to speak, why being bilingual is such a gift, and the common myths that hold families back from raising multilingual children.
How Does a Language Become Endangered?
UNESCO uses a scale to describe how endangered a language is:
- Vulnerable: Still spoken by most people, but usually only at home.
- Definitely Endangered: Children are no longer learning it as their first language.
- Severely Endangered: Only older adults speak the language.
- Critically Endangered: Only grandparents or very few elders use it.
- Extinct: No one speaks the language anymore.
Notice the common thread: a language slides toward extinction when children stop learning it. That is exactly why kids matter so much to language survival. Now let’s look at ten languages from around the world that are endangered or extinct.
Ten Endangered and Extinct Languages Around the World
Yiddish
Yiddish is one of about 20 Jewish languages. After World War II, the number of speakers dropped sharply due to the Holocaust and displacement. Today, it is considered definitely endangered. However, some members of the Hasidic community continue to speak and teach it. There are around 1.5 to 2 million speakers worldwide.
Irish (Gaelic)
Even though Irish is the first official language of Ireland, less than 2% of people use it outside of school. The language declined during times of famine and immigration, but today, many people speak it as a second language. It’s taught widely in schools and is considered definitely endangered.
Scottish Gaelic
Scottish Gaelic is closely related to Irish and faces similar challenges. There are between 20,000 and 60,000 speakers depending on the source. It’s spoken in parts of Scotland and even in some communities in Canada. Schools are trying to keep it alive by offering classes in the language.
Hawaiian
In 1985, only 32 children on the Hawaiian Islands spoke the Hawaiian language. It was nearly extinct. Thanks to community efforts, Hawaiian is now used more often and taught in schools. It is considered vulnerable but is slowly growing in popularity again.
Manchu
Manchu was once the language of the royal court in China. Today, fewer than 20 people can speak it fluently, although millions of people are ethnically Manchu. It is critically endangered.
Kusunda
Kusunda is a rare language from Nepal. It’s often called a “mystery language” because it’s not related to any others. In 2012, only one woman was fluent in Kusunda. The tribe now mostly speaks Nepali, and Kusunda is critically endangered.
N|uu
N|uu is believed to be one of Africa’s oldest languages. Today, only one family in South Africa speaks it fluently. A member of the San community is teaching local children in hopes of keeping the language alive. It is critically endangered.
Quileute
The Quileute people lived in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. Their language became widely known thanks to the Twilight book series, but most readers don’t know the language is now extinct. No native speakers are left, but the Quileute tribe is working to bring it back through school programs.
Yagan
Yagan is spoken in Chile, and only one native speaker remains. Although some people understand it, they do not speak it regularly. Yagan is considered critically endangered, and many South American indigenous languages have faced similar declines.
Latin
Latin is often called a “dead language” because no one speaks it as a native tongue anymore. But it’s still used in schools, churches, and science. Latin helped form many modern languages like Spanish, Italian, French, and even parts of English. Some believe that Latin lives on through its influence.
Many of these languages share the same lifeline: children. When kids learn a language and use it with their families and communities, it stops fading. The good news is that raising a child who speaks more than one language is rewarding in its own right, and it starts with understanding how children pick up language in the first place.
How Children Learn to Speak: A Fascinating Language Adventure
From their very first cry to full sentences by age five, children go through an incredible journey of language development. Understanding this natural progression can help parents support their child’s communication in meaningful ways, including in a heritage or endangered language. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect in the early years.
Birth: The First Cry, a Baby’s First “Word”
From the moment they are born, babies begin communicating. Their first cries are more than a response to hunger or discomfort, they’re a baby’s earliest attempt at language. Crying is how they get attention and begin to shape sounds in their environment.
Around 5 Months: Cooing and First Sounds
At around five months, babies begin to experiment with sounds like “ga-ga” or “gu-gu.” This stage, known as cooing, marks the beginning of sound play. Babies may smile or giggle while making these noises, especially when they hear someone respond. It’s all part of learning the rhythm and melody of communication.
Around 12 Months: The First Words
By their first birthday, many babies start saying simple words such as “mama,” “dada,” “milk,” or “doggie.” These early words are usually tied to people or things that are important in their everyday life. Children may not pronounce them perfectly, but they understand much more than they can say.
18 to 24 Months: Two-Word Phrases
In this exciting phase, toddlers start combining two words to form short phrases like “eat now,” “baby cry,” or “no bed.” These phrases show that children are beginning to understand grammar and sentence structure.
After Age 2: A Vocabulary Explosion
Around two years of age, children begin learning words at an incredible pace, up to 200 new words per month! Their understanding of grammar deepens, and they start stringing words together into more complex expressions.
2.5 Years Old: Three-Word Sentences
Children now begin using three-word sentences like “no want carrots” or “mama come here.” This stage reflects not only more vocabulary but also more advanced thinking. Kids begin expressing preferences, actions, and feelings more clearly.
By Age 5: Full Sentences and Proper Grammar
By the time children reach five years old, most can speak in full sentences and use correct grammar. They ask questions, tell stories, and understand the rules of conversation. This is also the age when they’re ready to learn new languages with more focus and confidence.
Top 10 Reasons Why Speaking Two Languages Is Awesome for Kids
Learning a second language is more than just memorizing new words, it’s a superpower. Kids who speak two or more languages discover exciting new worlds, connect with different people, and even open doors for future adventures. When that second language is an endangered one, they also become part of the story that keeps it alive. Here are ten fun and inspiring reasons why speaking two languages is something to feel proud of.
10. Secret Conversations? Yes, Please!
If you know another language, you can sometimes talk to a friend without others understanding. It’s like having your own private code!
9. People Are Really Impressed
When kids tell their teachers, neighbors, or friends that they speak more than one language, the reaction is often excitement and amazement. Being bilingual is something special!
8. You Can Meet More People Around the World
From traveling to chatting online, knowing a second language helps you meet more people. You can talk with someone in Spain, Mexico, China, or France, all without needing a translator.
7. Your Favorite Athletes Might Be Bilingual Too
Famous sports stars like Yao Ming, Roger Federer, and Maria Sharapova speak more than one language. That’s because being bilingual is useful no matter what your dream career is!
6. You Can Read Cool T-Shirts and Posters
Have you ever seen a shirt, a comic, or a sign in another language and wanted to know what it said? Bilingual kids can understand things that others might miss.
5. Celebrities Love Languages Too
Many popular celebrities speak multiple languages. Antonio Banderas, Jennifer Lopez, and Yo-Yo Ma are just a few stars who are fluent in more than one language.
4. You Can Make More Friends
Being bilingual means you can connect with kids who speak either language. Think of all the new friendships waiting to happen at school, camp, or while traveling.
3. It Can Lead to an Amazing Career
When you grow up, knowing two or more languages could help you get a great job, maybe as a travel guide, diplomat, doctor, or translator. Many bilingual professionals earn more money, too!
2. You Can Help Others Communicate
Have you ever helped someone understand something because they didn’t speak the main language? Bilingual kids often become helpful interpreters and peacemakers.
1. You Feel Really Proud
One of the best parts of being bilingual is how it makes you feel inside: confident, smart, and proud of what you can do!
The Top Ten Myths About Second Language Learning
Many parents are curious about raising bilingual children, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially with so many myths about how language learning works. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and second language learning is more flexible and accessible than most people think. Here are ten of the most common misconceptions, and what research and experience actually show.
Myth 1: Only bilingual parents can raise bilingual children
Bilingual parents may have an advantage, but monolingual parents can also successfully raise bilingual kids. Thanks to tools like apps, games, and storybooks, children can learn from a variety of sources at home. What matters most is consistency and making the language part of everyday life.
Myth 2: If you don’t start early, it’s too late
Starting young can help children absorb sounds and patterns more easily, but it’s never too late. Older children, and even adults, can become fluent with regular practice. Learning a second language is a journey that works at any age.
Myth 3: Only native speakers or teachers can teach a language
It’s helpful to learn from native speakers, but it isn’t necessary. Children can develop vocabulary and comprehension through books, songs, and interactive activities. As long as they are engaged, children can learn effectively from a wide range of materials.
Myth 4: All siblings will have the same language skills
Every child is different. Even in the same family, siblings may show different levels of fluency. Age, personality, interests, and how much they hear and use the language all make a difference.
Myth 5: You should correct every mistake right away
Correcting too often can frustrate children or make them feel nervous to speak. Instead, modeling the correct word or sentence gently and providing fun opportunities to practice is more encouraging and effective.
Myth 6: Bilingual children start speaking later
Children learning two languages may blend words or switch between them at first, which is normal. Overall, they develop language skills at the same pace as children learning only one language.
Myth 7: Mixing languages means the child is confused
It’s actually quite normal for bilingual children to mix languages, a process called code-switching. It shows that they understand how both languages work and can move between them easily. This flexibility is a strength, not a problem.
Myth 8: TV and DVDs are enough for language learning
Watching shows in another language can help with listening, but it’s not enough on its own. Children learn best when they are actively involved. Programs like Dinolingo include games, songs, and storytelling to keep learning fun and interactive.
Myth 9: Bilingual education is only for non-English speakers
Bilingual programs benefit all children. They can boost cognitive development, encourage empathy, and improve learning in other subjects. Learning another language adds to a child’s overall growth, no matter what their first language is.
Myth 10: Children should learn only two languages at most
Babies can hear and recognize the sounds of every language in the world. With regular exposure, they can learn three or more languages with ease. The key is to keep it consistent, natural, and fun, especially during early childhood.
How Dinolingo Helps Kids Learn and Preserve Languages
Many endangered languages can be saved when children learn them and use them with their families and communities. Dinolingo offers language learning programs for over 50 languages, including several that are endangered. The platform is designed especially for kids ages 2–14, with fun videos, songs, stories, flashcards, and interactive games that match each developmental stage, whether a child is cooing, saying their first word, or forming full sentences.
One subscription works for up to six users across web, iOS, and Android. Children stay motivated with rewards, songs, and printable materials, while parents follow along through a parent dashboard with progress tracking, plus offline access for learning at home or on the go. By making second language learning playful and consistent, Dinolingo helps kids grow up with the gift of multiple languages, and helps keep at-risk languages alive.
Final Thoughts
Every language is a part of human history, identity, and imagination. By learning and supporting endangered languages, children can help keep stories, traditions, and cultures alive. Whether it’s Irish, Hawaiian, or any other language, it’s never too early or too late to start learning. Raising a bilingual child doesn’t require perfection, it just takes commitment, creativity, and a little curiosity. Speaking two languages gives kids more than just words: it helps them grow into curious, open-minded, and confident individuals who carry languages forward.
Want to explore more languages with your child? Discover fun and easy language lessons at Dinolingo.
