In his book Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues in New York, Ross Perlin delves into the complex linguistic landscape of one of the most diverse cities in the world. As a linguist and co-director of the Endangered Language Alliance (ELA), Perlin offers a unique perspective on the efforts to save endangered languages within New York City.
The Linguistic Diversity of New York
New York City is home to over 700 languages, making it a vital nexus where people from various backgrounds can connect using their native tongues. However, the dominance of languages like English and Spanish poses a threat to this diversity. According to Perlin, all languages are cognitively and communicatively equal, a premise that drives his work in documenting and preserving endangered languages.
Collaborative Efforts to Preserve Languages
Perlin’s narrative in Language City intertwines biographical stories with linguistic analysis. By collaborating with six New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds, Perlin sheds light on the efforts and challenges involved in preserving endangered languages. These real-life examples serve as windows into the communities that form the multilingual microcosms of New York.
Making Linguistics Accessible
One of Perlin’s significant contributions in Language City is bringing the subject of endangered languages out of academic circles and into everyday life. By providing historical and cultural contexts, he makes this complex issue accessible to a broader audience. Despite the dense volume of information, Perlin’s approachable tone and clear explanations make the book a valuable resource for understanding the importance of linguistic diversity.
Conclusion: The Value of Linguistic Diversity
Language City raises essential questions about the consequences of a monolingual society. Perlin argues for the value of preserving diverse languages to create a more equitable and inclusive society. His work serves as a call to action to recognize and support the linguistic richness that New York City embodies.
