Learning Africa about endangered species every day, but we don't hear about endangered languages every day. A language that is at risk of going extinct is called an endangered language. According to UNESCO, not every language is at the same level of endangerment. A language can be vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, or severely endangered. There are over 200 African languages that are on the verge of extinction. A few languages are already extinct in Africa. Examples are the Kpati language in Nigeria. The preservation of African languages has become important as it is part of our unique identity.

What if tomorrow, there’s no one left on earth that speaks Yoruba? We would say the language is extinct. We know about endangered species because every day we hear about animals that will soon go extinct as a result of climate change and human activity. What we don’t hear about every day is endangered languages.  The topic of endangered languages is always met with a look of amusement initially and then a sober look as the reality of the possibility dawns on the hearers. However, this subject is a matter of concern as it is already happening to some African languages. A language that is at risk of going extinct is called an endangered language. According to UNESCO, not every language is at the same level of endangerment. Some are just vulnerable, which means there's a possibility they may become endangered. Some languages are endangered. That means it is sure that they will go extinct if nothing is done. 

Beyond this stage, a language can become critically or severely endangered. Africa is home to over 3315 tribes and ethnic groups, each having their languages that form their unique identity. A few languages are already extinct in Africa. Examples are the Kpati language in Nigeria, the Kore language in Kenya, and the Weyto Language in Ethiopia. There are over 200 African languages that are on the verge of extinction. Examples are the Soo language in Uganda, The Akie language in Tanzania, and the Defaka language in Nigeria. UNESCO stated that the Igbo language may be extinct by 2050. The preservation of African languages has become important as it is part of our unique identity. Our cultural diversity according to UNESCO, widens the options open to everyone and is one of the roots of the development. We must not struggle to be the same. We should rather endeavor to live in unity despite our cultural differences. As we embrace English, French, and Spanish, we should also teach them our words, our expressions, and our culture as free men and women under God. We have to pass on to the generations after us the colorful heritage our ancestors left behind beginning from our languages. What do you think can be done to preserve African languages?