Preventing language extinction

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
In this Aug. 5, 2011 photo, Brenda Lintinger holds one of her children's books she wrote in the Tunica Indian language, in her home in Metairie, La. Lintinger decided to do more than learn a new language: she set out to resurrect the ancient tongue of her
Brenda Lintinger holds one of her children’s books she wrote in the Tunica Indian language, in her home in Metairie, La. Lintinger decided to do more than learn a new language: she set out to resurrect the ancient tongue of her own Tunica Indian tribe, words that had not been uttered for more than 60 years. Gerald Herbert/AP Photo

The Language Conservancy estimates around 41 percent of the 7,000 languages spoken today are endangered, including Ho-Chunk. But this summer, the tribe took another step to preserve their language. We speak with language conservationists on preventing extinction.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Mackenzie Krumme Producer
  • Lee Rayburn Technical Director
  • Adrienne Thunder Guest
  • Wilhelm Meya Guest