Endangered languages are languages that are at risk of falling out of use, typically because their speakers are decreasing in number. This can happen for various reasons, such as globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of more widely spoken languages like English or Mandarin. When a language loses its speakers, it also loses its cultural significance and the unique knowledge embedded in it.
Efforts to preserve endangered languages often involve documentation, teaching, and revitalization programs. Organizations and communities work together to promote the use of these languages in schools and daily life. Protecting endangered languages is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity and heritage around the world.