Chapter 3: Discovering Tut: the Saga Continues

Q1Written answer

Read the following piece of information from The Encyclopedia of Language by David Crystal.

Egyptian is now extinct: its history dates from before the third millennium B.C., preserved in many hieroglyphic inscriptions and papyrus manuscripts. Around the second century A.D., it developed into a language known as Coptic. Coptic may still have been used as late as the early nineteenth century and is still used as a religious language by Monophysite Christians in Egypt.

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Q2Written answer

What do you think are the reasons for the extinction of languages?

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Languages are becoming extinct for a variety of reasons. A dominant language that is not native to the locals frequently replaces the main language. Other reasons include the genocide of entire races, poor cultural heritage preservation, and the loss and damage of historical records.

Q3Written answer

Do you think it is important to preserve languages?

Yes, language preservation is critical. Languages are an important tool for understanding and preserving a culture’s traditions. It also allows one to reconnect with their ancestors. Literature is a tool for preserving and learning a language.

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Q4Written answer

In what ways do you think we could help prevent the extinction of languages and dialects?

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We can preserve languages and dialects by promoting and using languages that are slowly falling into neglect and disuse. To do so, we must stay connected to our roots by encouraging children to speak in their mother tongue more often, reading old books in their native language, and conversing with the elderly.

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Thinking about language