The next century will see more than half of the world?s 6,000languages become extinct, and most of these will disappear withoutbeing adequately recorded. Written by one of the leading figures inlanguage documentation, this fascinating book explores whathumanity stands to lose as a result. Explores the unique philosophy, knowledge, and culturalassumptions of languages, and their impact on our collectiveintellectual heritage Questions why such linguistic diversity exists in the firstplace, and how can we can best respond to the challenge ofrecording and documenting these fragile oral traditions while theyare still with us Written by one of the leading figures in languagedocumentation, and draws on a wealth of vivid examples from his ownfield experience Brings conceptual issues vividly to life by weaving inportraits of individual ?last speakers? and anecdotesabout linguists and their discoveries