Language change in language obsolescence

Abstract

All over the world, linguistic minorities are losing ground to dominant and more prestigious languages. Cultural practices contract, and language use dwindles. As a traditional language is "retreating, contracting, as it gradually falls into disuse" (Dixon 1991:199), the changes it undergoes may be drastic. Language endangerment, attrition and, ultimately, obsolescence and loss are primarily caused by social factors. A major reason is intensive pressure from another group whose language is perceived as offering greater political and economic prestige and advantages