Buzz
The topic of endangered languages has recently gained attention, especially following the February launch of UNESCO’s online edition of its Atlas of the World's Languages in Danger. As stated by UNESCO, half of the world's 6,500 languages are at risk of disappearing by the end of this century. Hundreds have already been lost, some quietly fading away without notice, while others were documented with the last known speaker clearly identified. It is these individuals that we aim to honor. While this list isn't exhaustive and isn't ranked in any order, it provides a snapshot of the global nature of language loss. The individuals featured here came from various backgrounds—some were unaware of their unique role, while others fought to preserve their linguistic heritage, striving to pass their knowledge to others. Interestingly, many who took on the task of language preservation lived long lives, almost as if resisting the inevitable decline of their language.
12. Dolly Pentreath passed away in 1777
Last known speaker of: traditional Cornish
As inscribed on her gravestone, which remains a place of visitation, Dolly Pentreath is recognized as the last known speaker of Cornish. Dolly, who only learned English later in life, is said to have uttered her final words as “Me ne vidn cewsel Sawznek!” (“I don’t want to speak English!”). She earned a reputation for her fierce nature, often seen smoking her pipe and using profanities. Some even believed her to be a witch. However, there is some debate regarding her title as the final speaker of Cornish. While some argue that John Davey, who passed away in 1890, should hold that distinction, others maintain that Cornish never truly disappeared.
Fun Language Fact – Efforts to bring Cornish back to life have seen some success. In 2002, it received official recognition under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. By 2008, a Standard Written Form of Cornish was agreed upon.
11. Ned Maddrell circa 1878 – 1974
Last known speaker of: traditional Manx
Like Dolly Pentreath, Ned Maddrell's position as the last speaker is debated, but his contribution to preserving the language is undeniable. A fisherman from Cregneash, Ned traveled extensively but spent his final years on the Isle of Man, where he mentored younger language enthusiasts and recorded conversations to help revive the language. Known for his cheerful demeanor, Ned took pride in his somewhat celebrated role.
Fun Language Fact – Since Ned Maddrell's passing, there have been ongoing efforts to revive Manx, including the establishment of Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, a primary school where children are taught entirely in Manx.
10. Tevfik Esenç 1904 – 1992
Last known speaker of: the Ubykh language
The Ubykh language, a North Caucasian tongue once spoken along the Black Sea coast, eventually faded after its speakers were displaced by the Russian forces. They relocated to Turkey, where the language ultimately perished. Tevfik Esenç, a man of considerable intellect who spoke several languages, collaborated with linguists to document Ubykh, fully aware of his role as its final speaker. Some of these recordings can now be found on YouTube.
Fun Language Fact – Ubykh once held a place in the Guinness Book of Records for having the highest number of consonants in any language.
9. Alf Palmer circa 1891 – 1981
Last known speaker of: Warrunga
Not much is known about Alf Palmer, or Jinbilnggay as he was called in his native tongue. Born and passing away in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, Alf, like many others on this list, was dedicated to preserving his language. He worked alongside linguists from both Japan and Australia, playing a pivotal role in raising awareness about the loss of languages. He is shown in the photograph on the left.
Fun Fact – Several years ago, the same linguists who worked with Alf Palmer returned to Townsville and have been collaborating with his descendants to try to revive the language.
8. Fidelia Fielding 1827 – 1908
Last known speaker of: the Mohegan Pequot Language
Fidelia Fielding, known as Dji’ts Bud dnaca (Flying Bird), is remembered as somewhat of a recluse who preferred solitude. However, she should not be overlooked, as she remains an important and respected figure in the history of the Mohegan people. Fidelia was one of the last individuals to live according to traditional Mohegan ways and mentored Mohegan anthropologist Gladys Tantaquidgeon. After her passing, four of her diaries were discovered. These diaries are now preserved at the Museum of the American Indian in New York City and have been utilized in efforts to revive the Mohegan language.
Fun Fact – On May 24, 1936, roughly 1,000 people gathered at the Ancient Burial Grounds of the Mohegans in Fort Shantok State Park, Montville, to honor the memory of “Flying Bird.”
7. Tuone Udaina died 1898
Last known speaker of: Dalmatian
Tuone Udaina was not originally a native speaker of Dalmatian. Instead, he learned the language by secretly eavesdropping on his parents' private conversations. Despite being deaf and having not spoken the language for over 20 years, he was approached in 1897 by linguist Matteo Bartoli to help document Dalmatian. Earlier records of the language date back to the 13th to 16th centuries. Unfortunately, Bartoli’s original work in Italian was lost and only survived in a German translation, until it was re-translated into Italian in 2001. Sadly, Udaina's life ended tragically when he was killed by a landmine on June 10, 1898.
Fun Language Fact – Dalmatian, a Romance language with similarities to Romanian, was once spoken in the Dalmatia region of Croatia, where each town had its own distinct dialect of the language.
6. Big Bill Neidjie circa 1920 – 2002
Last known speaker of: the Gagudju language
Big Bill Neidjie was a local legend in his community. Born on the East Alligator River in the Northern Territory of Australia, he was raised with a traditional upbringing and taught the ways of hunting by his father and grandfather. Bill became renowned for his strength, physique, and unwavering dedication to conservation and indigenous rights. His recognition grew when he was featured in National Geographic Magazine in 1988, and in 1989, he was awarded the Order of Australia.
Fun Language Fact – Like many indigenous Australian languages, Gagudju had a taboo against discussing traditional secrets with outsiders. When Bill learned of his fate, he faced a difficult choice between respecting this taboo or allowing his culture to vanish. He chose to break the taboo and passed these sacred teachings on to a select few.
5. Shanawdithit 1801-1829
Last known speaker of: the Beothuk language (and last member of the Beothuk)
Regarded as one of the most significant figures from Newfoundland, Shanawdithit led a tragically brief life. Having lost most of her family to tuberculosis or attacks by the British, who saw her people as criminals, she spent her final years as a servant before succumbing to tuberculosis herself. Shanawdithit was taught some English by philanthropist William Epps Cormack, under whose roof she stayed for a time. She displayed a remarkable talent for drawing, and it is through her artwork that we understand the way of life of the Beothuk people. A sorrowful postscript to her story is that her skull was taken to the Royal College of Physicians in London, later transferred to the Royal College of Surgeons in 1938, and ultimately destroyed during the Blitz. Her other remains are interred in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Fun Language Fact – There is ongoing debate about whether Beothuk is a language isolate, unique in its own right, or whether it shares ties with the Algonquian languages spoken in Quebec and Labrador.
4. Armand Lunel 1892 -1977
Last known speaker of: Shuadit (Judeo-Provençal)
Armand Lunel, a writer, librettist, philosopher, and educator, was born in Aix-en-Provence, France, where his family had deep roots before relocating to Monaco. He wrote in French, focusing on the daily lives of Jewish communities in Provence. In 1968, a recording of Lunel singing in his native language was made, though he passed away before another recording could be captured.
Fun Language Fact – The origins of Judeo-Provençal remain somewhat elusive to linguists, though written records in the language date back to the 11th century. Its use saw a sharp decline after the French Revolution.
3. Soma Devi Dura circa 1926
Last known speaker of: Dura
In an uncanny twist of fate, just days before Marie Smith Jones passed away, British news outlets brought attention to the situation of 82-year-old Soma Devi Dura, the last known speaker of Nepal's Dura language. Although partially blind, deaf, and in declining health, Soma Devi Dura is renowned for her deep knowledge of songs and folklore in the Dura tongue. Kedar Nagila, a PhD candidate in Nepalese languages, has been assisting her and attempting to provide her with medical care. As of April 2008, Soma Devi Dura was still alive, though updates about her have since become scarce.
Fun Language Fact – Dura is one of over 120 languages spoken in Nepal. However, due to a “one-nation, one-language” policy implemented by the Shah dynasty, nearly 96% of these languages are at risk of disappearing.
Contributor: Handrejka
2. Marie Smith Jones 1918 – 2008
Last known speaker of: Eyak
When Marie Smith Jones passed away early last year, her death was noted by obituaries from respected publications across the globe, a reflection of how language loss is no longer a concern for just a few linguists. Smith, the last full-blooded Eyak, became politically active only after the death of her sister in the 1990s, which left her as the final speaker of the language. Initially, she had refrained from teaching her children the language due to the stigma attached to it. Later in life, she contributed to the creation of an Eyak dictionary, took a stand on environmental issues, and spoke at the United Nations twice, advocating for peace and the preservation of indigenous languages.
Fun Language Fact – Eyak was traditionally spoken near the mouth of the Copper River in Alaska. Now extinct, it stands as a symbol in the struggle against language death. It is the first known Native Alaskan language to vanish.
1. Ishi 1860 – 1916
Last known speaker of: the Yana language (and last member of the Yahi)
While many details about Ishi’s life are known, his true name remains a mystery. Ishi, meaning 'man' in Yana, was a pseudonym since it was considered taboo in Yahi culture to speak one’s own name. His real name passed away with him. Ishi's story, which recounts how he went into hiding after his family was killed and was later found by a group of butchers, continues to captivate. His life has been the subject of documentaries, films, and plays, though many aspects of his story remain debated. Tragically, Ishi did not live a long life like many others on this list, succumbing to tuberculosis in 1916.
Fun Language Fact – Thanks to the work of linguist Edward Sapir, who collaborated with Ishi, the Yana language is relatively well-documented compared to other extinct Native American languages.
