In collaboration with National Geographic Learning Department of English Language and Literature at UOB Explores Endangered Languages

Sakhir – University of Bahrain (Khadijah Abdusalem)
14 November 2022
National Geographic Explorer and Linguistic, Dr. David Harrison, stated that half the world’s languages are endangered and may go extinct in this century, and the loss of these languages will have serious effects on their speakers, as well as the culture, science, and environment. He pointed out that speakers of endangered languages around the world are increasing their strategic efforts to save their languages.
The Department of English Language and Literature at the College of Arts at the University of Bahrain, hosted Dr. David Harrison, to deliver a lecture on “Exploring Endangered Languages” on Wednesday (November 9, 2022), at the e-Learning Center.
His presentation included photos and video clips of several speakers of some of the world’s most endangered languages, from Siberia, India, and other locations, and explained how native speakers and linguists are working to maintain languages through technology and online social activities. He also expressed the importance of preserving the vast knowledge out-there through documenting these endangered language.
Dr. Harrison answered the audience’s questions regarding the communities of endangered languages and language ownership, living languages vitality and its evolution, and the advantages of oral languages and communities.
The interactive lecture was attended by the Dean of the College of Arts, Dr. Abdul Aziz Mohammed Bulela, in addition to a number of faculty members and students, especially the English language disciplines.
For her part, the Head of Department of English Language and literature at the University, Dr. Ghada Ahmed Jassim, expressed her appreciation to the National Geographic Learning team and their continuous cooperation with the University on several occasions, starting with the opening of the Learning Resource Center in 2017, as well as sponsoring distinguished speakers for international conferences at the English Language Center.
Dr. David Harrison has done extensive fieldwork with indigenous communities from Siberia and Mongolia to Peru, India, and Australia. He is widely recognized and consulted as a leading spokesman for endangered languages. His book, “The Last Speakers: The Quest to Save the World’s Most Endangered Languages,” was published by National Geographic Books.

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