B.C. First Nations languages face extinction unless action taken now, report says (fwd links)

[Phillip E Cash Cash]

May 1, 2010

B.C. First Nations languages face extinction unless action taken now, report
says

By Stephen Hui
Canada

First Nations languages in British Columbia are hurtling toward "imminent
extinction", a new report says.

But the Report on the Status of B.C. First Nations Languages 2010 argues
that these "critically endangered" languages can be saved if quick action is
taken.

Prepared by the First Peoples’ Heritage, Language and Culture Council and
released on April 30, the report notes that, with 32 languages and 59
dialects, B.C. is home to 60 percent of First Nations languages in Canada.

"Based on three variables for measuring language endangerment (speakers,
usage and language resources), all of B.C. First Nations languages are
severely endangered or nearly extinct," it states. "Some are already
sleeping."

According to the report, fluent speakers represent 5.1 percent (5,609) of
the B.C. First Nations population. "Semi-speakers" comprise 8.2 percent
(8,948) of the population, while people learning their language constitute
11.1 percent (12,223).

Most fluent speakers are over 65 years old. Only 1.5 percent (36) of fluent
speakers are under the age of 25.

Access full article below:
http://www.straight.com/article-320680/vancouver/bc-first-nations-languages-face-extinction-unless-action-taken-now-report-says

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ILAT note: I am posting this news article again th0ugh it is from May 1,
2010.  Many may have missed it or it may not have been posted here to begin
with.  The informative report (at the web link) describes the state of
language endangerment across Canada.  Unfortunately, nothing like this is
available for the US.
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