Unkechaug Nation Language Analysis

Every 14 days, a new language is wiped off the Earth and half of the languages spoken today are expected to vanish by the year 2100 (Brown). The decline of these valuable and ancient languages is diminishing long kept cultures as well as limiting our ability to obtain and preserve vital knowledge. The languages of many communities connect them, acting as glue that links generations and preserves heritage (Cohen). Language is a valuable tool used to pass down ancient culture and ideas to future generations and without that, accepted cultures are vulnerable to becoming completely extinct and valueless. Chief Harry Wallace, leader of the Unkechaug Nation, has had first hand experience of a Native American dying before his eyes. Wallace says, “… for tribal members knowing a language is an integral part of understanding their own culture, past and future” (Cohen). Understanding a culture leads to great appreciation and this is a prime example of why dying languages should be saved. Not only does language connect communities and preserve culture, it contains an immense amount of valuable knowledge. According to UC Santa Cruz linguistics professor, Judith Aissen, “Language contains a vast array of knowledge” (Rappaport). She adds that …show more content…
Language helps scientists learn new information about the human brain and how it functions. Linguists like Judith Aissen study language to understand the “human capacity” as well as the range of language that humans can acquire (Rappaport). Aissen explores connections between grammar of distant languages and the way that the brain processes these languages. As the field of research continuously grows, more valuable information is brought forward and saving these dying languages will help society as more knowledge is gained. The more languages available for scientists to study, the more precise and beneficial the knowledge acquired can