Scientific research confirms that preserving linguistic diversity is essential to maintaining humanity’s flexibility and adaptability. When languages and cultures die out, so too does intellectual exchange and evidence of human intellectual achievements. Languages are an expression of identity, rooted in the shared characteristics of a group. Community and cultural identity foster a sense of security and collective existence. Moreover, languages serve a role similar to what the internet provides today – they are repositories of history and knowledge. From a sociocultural perspective, language embodies a way of thinking and being.
There are between 6,000 and 7,000 languages spoken worldwide. 97% of the global population uses about 4% of all languages, while 96% of languages are spoken by only 3% of people. Only 3% of all languages are endemic to Europe. According to UNESCO’s Atlas of the World’s Languages, there are 128 languages in the European Union classified as endangered. For comparison, the EU has 24 officially recognized languages, plus more than 60 regional and minority languages, five of which hold semi-official status: Catalan, Galician, Basque, Scottish Gaelic, and Welsh.
Preserving linguistic diversity also makes economic sense. The ability to communicate in multiple languages benefits both employees and organizations. It fosters creativity, breaks down cultural stereotypes, encourages unconventional thinking, and supports the development of innovative products and services. People fluent in two languages demonstrate advantages in mental performance, particularly in divergent thinking, creativity, and communicative sensitivity.
Below we present some of the most popular niche languages, along with the number of their speakers: