Dear Students:
The extinction of languages is more common than you might know. Below are some reading and listening opportunities for your consideration on this subject. Your task is simple. You should write a reaction paper after checking out at least two of the following sources. You don't have to listen to all of them, but you do have to incorporate some of what these sources discuss into your answer. Bonus points awarded to those papers that demonstrate creativity, thought, and (of course!) vocabulary from Chapter 14 in Essential Academic Vocabulary! All responses should be typed. Be sure to underline or embolden the words you use!
The overall question: Is it tragic when a language becomes extinct? Why or why not?
The best answer will get a special prize.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2014/01/07/260555554/what-happens-when-a-languages-last-monolingual-speaker-dies
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/12/30/258376009/how-language-seems-to-shape-ones-view-of-the-world
http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2013/01/10/168878237/jared-diamond-a-new-guinea-campfire-and-why-we-should-want-to-speak-five-languag
http://www.ted.com/talks/keith_chen_could_your_language_affect_your_ability_to_save_money.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TJD97x84vM
