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Text Messaging Key to Saving Endangered Languages

by Terrence O'Brien on January 2, 2009 at 10:12 AM

There are 6,912 identified languages spoken around the world. Some languages, only spoken by tiny pockets of populations, are in danger of disappearing thanks to an increasingly global society that is focused on modern western languages like English and Spanish.

One way advocates believe these languages, an important part of local history and culture, can stave off extinction is with text messaging software. It may seem odd, but what language can truly stay relevant in the modern world if it can't be used for text messages?

Companies, like Nuance Corp., are working on developing predictive text software for cell phones, similar to the T9 package that is standard fare on all U.S. handsets, for smaller market languages. There are unique challenges to overcome, however. Languages like Hindi, which has 45 characters, and Gaelic, which uses various accent marks, are difficult to type on a 12 key number pad which is why texting is often done in English, even in countries where English isn't the official language.

Linguists believe making local languages reasonable to use for text messaging is key to preventing them from disappearing from the face of the Earth. After all who actually communicates via voice calls anymore? [From: Wall Street Journal]

Tags: language, linguistics, predictive text, PredictiveText, sms, t9, text messaging, texting, TextMessaging

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