Extinct Languages: Dessert
By: Nicole Robinson and Emily Dahl
The Emergence of Previously Extinct Languages
Hebrew
Hebrew is an example of a language that was revived. When Israel was established as an independent country in 1948, Hebrew and Arabic were made the two official languages. Over the years Hebrew was starting to be taught in schools with Arabic and the language slowly started being spoken by people.
(Irish) Gaelic
Gaelic is another example of a language becoming revived. In 1996, an Irish-language TV station began broadcasting in Gaelic to help promote the language. In 2005 English road signs were banned in western Ireland. Irish bands and singers are starting to make their albums in Gaelic. This revival of Gaelic is being led by young Irish living in other countries that want to separate themselves from the English
Cornish
Cornish is re-emerging also. A few hundred people have become fluent in this previously extinct language, which was revived in the 1920's. Cornish is now being taught in grade schools, adult evening courses, and now in some church services. Since Cornish was previously extinct, it is impossible to know how to pronounce Cornish words, but there is a standard way to write it.
Conflict and language re-emergence
The Flemings and Walloons in Belgium
Where is (Irish) Gaelic, Cornish, and Hebrew Spoken?
(Irish Gaelic): True to its name, Irish Gaelic is spoken in Ireland as one of the two official languages as well as other countries in Europe by people that are from Ireland.
Cornish: This language is spoken mostly in the region of Cornwall, which is in England.