Indigenous Languages
Definition
Indigenous languages are languages that are native to a region or population group. They often predate any colonial influences or foreign language introductions.
Analogy
Imagine you're at home cooking your family's secret recipe passed down through generations. This recipe is unique to your family just like an indigenous language is unique to its people - it carries history, culture, identity, and tradition within it.
Related terms
Endangered Language: A language that is at risk of falling out of use as its speakers die out or shift to speaking another language.
Language Family: A group of related languages descended from a common ancestral tongue.
Linguistic Diversity Index (LDI): An index measuring the diversity of languages spoken in a specific region.
"Indigenous Languages" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (3)
What can be an effective strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of cultural diffusion on indigenous languages?
Which would be an effective way to help preserve indigenous languages at risk of extinction?
According to the scenario described, what is leading to the disappearance of indigenous languages?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.