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Texting Could Save Dying Languages

Linguists push to get more of them on cell phones

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 2, 2009 8:25 AM CST

(Newser) – Linguists trying to save the world's endangered languages believe cell phones—more specifically, texting—can give them a vital boost, the Wall Street Journal reports. Some 7,000 languages are spoken worldwide, but predictive text software currently exists for just 80. Experts believe developing the technology for more tongues will help keep languages alive by making them more relevant to young people.

"It's extremely important that language isn't something that's only in books," said the director of a Gaelic institute.

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Text messaging is a vital tool of business communication in the less developed world. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

In India, companies offer predictive text software for 12 of the country's 22 languages. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Language experts say predictive text software could be a vital tool in preserving languages. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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The idea of having your cultural identity represented in this technology is increasingly important. Technology empowers even the poorest people.
- Laura Welcher, director of the Rosetta Project

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Texting Could Save Dying Languages