Multilingualism in new york Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Multilingualism in new york - Essay Example If these current trends are not reversed, then the endangered languages are soon going to be extinct within the next century (Welcher). Attempts to prevent the extinction of endangered language have resulted to the formation of the Endangered Language Alliance. Therefore, a student at The City University of New York with basic linguistic fieldwork who wills to take part in documenting the endangered language should join the group and together with the members. The student should also develop an interest in learning those languages that are almost facing extinction. Grenoble & Lindsay (85) asserts that vast knowledge of the endangered language will act as a security incase the language becomes extinct. This will ensure that all facts regarding the language do not disappear all at once. Secondly, the student may visit the speakers of the endangered languages and conduct interviews. While conducting the interviews, the student is expected to make audio tapes and videotapes, as well as make written records of the endangered languages used in informal and informal settings (Davis 76). The translations of the endangered language are also included in the recordings so as to preserve the data in the best appropriate manner to avoid confusion in the future. Analysis of the vocabulary and rules of the endangered language is an initiative that helps significantly preserve the endangered languages. In addition to that, the student should write grammars and dictionaries of these languages that they wish to preserve (Grenoble & Lindsay 45). Working hand in hand with other linguists’, the student should visit neighboring communities within the city of New York to meet speakers who are willing to preserve their language. While visiting the endangered language speakers, the student should offer practical and technical help with language maintenance, teaching and revival. The assistance comes about while working on the grammars and