Languages are the living breath of cultures, carrying the knowledge, stories, and traditions of their people. When a language is lost, so too are these invaluable connections to the past. According to UNESCO, endangered languages fall into five categories:
Extinct: No speakers remain, silencing a unique voice forever.
Vulnerable: Most children speak the language at home but not in other settings.
Definitely Endangered: Children no longer learn the language as their first language at home.
Severely Endangered: Only grandparents fluently speak the language.
Critically Endangered: The youngest speakers are elderly, and usage is rare.
Why Preserving Liberian Languages Matters
Saving endangered languages is about more than preserving words—it’s about maintaining cultural diversity and the unique perspectives these languages provide.
Each language reflects a distinctive worldview, a rich set of traditions, and an intimate connection to the environment.
By revitalizing Liberia’s endangered languages, we ensure that future generations can access the wisdom and heritage of our ancestors, fostering a deeper appreciation of our collective identity.
Preserving Liberia’s endangered languages requires collective effort. Documentation projects, bilingual education programs, and digital technologies are essential tools in this fight. Communities play a central role in driving these initiatives, as the passion to retain and rejuvenate our linguistic heritage must come from the speakers themselves.
Liberia Endangered Language Project 