The world’s most endangered language is now spoken by just one person. This rare language, spoken by the San people, is nearly extinct.
In a world where many languages are disappearing, Niuu is one of the most endangered.
This language, spoken by the San people in southern Africa, now has only one person who can speak it fluently.
Only one alive person left speaking the most endangered language in the world
N|uu is a language that has stood the test of time, with a history spanning over 20,000 years.
Today, this ancient language is at risk of disappearing.
Only one person left, Ouma Katrina Esau, can speak it fluently.
The unique aspect of N|uu lies in its pronunciation, marked by a distinct clicking sound between the ‘N’ and the ‘uu’.
The most endangered language N|uu’s history
N|uu comes from the San people, who are indigenous hunter-gatherers in southern Africa.
This language is a linguistic treasure with deep regional roots.
The language’s origins are linked to the ǂKhomani people, who lived in the southern Kalahari.
This area now covers parts of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Despite its rich heritage, N|uu has faced significant challenges throughout history.
During the 19th century, the British Empire’s colonization efforts in Africa led to the suppression of N|uu.
Speakers of the language were subjected to violence and persecution, driving N|uu underground.
The scarcity of written records further compounded the challenges of preserving this ancient tongue.
In the 1990s, a pivotal moment emerged for N|uu when Dr. Nigel Crawhall and the United Nations spearheaded efforts to revive the language.
Initially, 25 people claimed to speak N|uu fluently. However, by December 2021, Ouma Katrina Esau was the only remaining fluent speaker.
The efforts to preserve the most endangered language
Ouma Katrina Esau is committed to saving N|uu. She works with Dr. Kerry Jones to keep the language alive.
They are making a dictionary and teaching young people about N|uu.
Ouma Katrina Esau gives hope to N|uu. She teaches her granddaughter, Claudia, the language and works with local schools. Her efforts might help revive N|uu.
“Her granddaughter, Claudia can speak the language. Not fluently, but as an additional language.
But she’s literate and Ouma Katrina isn’t literate, so between the two of them, it’s a good combination,” said.
The Impact of globalization on endangered languages
Globalization and cultural blending are causing old languages like N|uu to fade away.
Each year, about nine languages disappear forever, much like endangered animals.
Dr. Jones explains that languages shape how we see things.
Just like caring for endangered animals and plants, saving languages is vital because they are all interconnected and important.