* No central record: There's no global organization meticulously tracking language death.
* What constitutes "death"? It's a complex issue. A language might be considered "dead" if it has no native speakers, but it could still be used in religious ceremonies, literature, or historical contexts.
* Rate of change: Language death isn't a constant phenomenon. Rates vary greatly depending on factors like globalization, political pressures, and societal changes.
However, we can say:
* Language death is a serious issue: Many experts agree that languages are disappearing at an alarming rate.
* The rate is accelerating: Globalization and the dominance of certain languages have increased the pressure on less widely spoken tongues.
If you're interested in learning more about language endangerment, I recommend checking out resources from organizations like:
* UNESCO: They have a program dedicated to safeguarding endangered languages.
* Endangered Language Alliance: They work to document and revitalize endangered languages.
It's important to understand that language death is not just a loss of words; it's a loss of cultural heritage, knowledge, and identity.