Endangered Dialects, Language Invasion, and the Protection of "Species" in the Digital Age
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64229/0d3bct21Keywords:
Endangered Dialects, Language Ecology, Digital Preservation, Language Revitalization, Linguistic Diversity, Language Policy, Digital Humanities, Language TechnologyAbstract
In the context of accelerating globalization and digital transformation, linguistic diversity faces unprecedented dual pressures: the internal erosion of endangered dialects and the external invasion of global lingua francas, particularly English. This article adopts an ecological linguistics perspective, conceptualizing languages and dialects as dynamic "species" within a complex sociocultural ecosystem. It examines the mechanisms of dialect endangerment, driven by urbanization, standardized education, and media homogenization, and analyzes the phenomenon of "language invasion" through digital platforms-a process akin to the introduction of invasive species in natural ecosystems. The digital age presents a paradox: while technology often accelerates linguistic dominance and assimilation, it also offers innovative tools for documentation, revitalization, and community engagement. This paper critically evaluates a range of digital preservation strategies, including crowdsourced archiving, AI-driven language tools, social media activism, and immersive technologies. It argues that effective protection requires a multi-pronged approach that integrates technological innovation with grassroots community agency, supportive policy frameworks, and a critical awareness of the political economy of digital platforms. Through two illustrative tables analyzing digital tool efficacy and comparative policy frameworks, the article proposes a forward-looking model for "digital ecosystem stewardship" in linguistic conservation. The conclusion emphasizes that preserving linguistic diversity is not merely an archival endeavor but a vital commitment to sustaining cultural memory, cognitive diversity, and social resilience in an interconnected world.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Theresia Inong, Rizki Pratama (Author)
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