By 2050 half of our languages may be extinct

There are over 6,000 languages in use around the world, ranging in size from those with hundreds of millions of speakers to those with only one or two.

1000 Languages explores the sources, interrelationships and characteristics of the worlds languages, including the major and minor ones of every region, and discusses the topical issue of endangered and extinct tongues.

In this highly illustrated book, each main entry details numbers of speakers, geographical spread, growth, development and key features. Comprehensive chapters consider endangered and extinct languages, and an extensive map section shows the dissemination of language groups.