The Case for Rare-Language Specialists at HYPIA

Abstract

Many sociolinguistic scholars and practitioners express worry and distress about the continued rate of language extinction. They repeatedly argue for sustained efforts to preserve rare languages around the world, but the efforts required to realize their goals are substantial. This paper presents a case for rare language preservation at the International Association of Hyperpolyglots, as a distinct category of membership that helps to raise awareness about rare languages and the need for their preservation.

Keywords: language, revitalization, preservation, endangered, extinct, linguistics, HYPIA