Author Description

A collection of photos, maps, charts, and boxed features on virtually every page. Ten chapters discuss the language families of each region of the world. The Atlas of languages offers an introduction to the world of languages and linguistics for the general reader. This global survey of language families, their distribution, spread, and - in some cases - decline is illustrated by a rich variety of maps, photographs, and tables. In a detailed account of the language families of each region of the world, interesting and sometimes unique features of grammar and vocabulary are identified and explained. The archeological, historical, cultural, or social political background where it has had an impact on the dissemination, development, or decline of a language is examined. The geographical distribution of languages - both historical and contemporary - is reflected in over 30 unique full-color maps. Points of general interest, linguistic, cultural, and historical are highlighted in special boxed features. The writing systems of the world are also examined in detail. The evolution of over 200 languages is explained and illustrated with specific examples, while photographs of ancient artifacts, manuscripts, monuments, and statues all illustrate the use of various writing systems over the last 5,000 years. Finally, the book addresses the issue of disappearing languages, as well as identifying languages that are under threat of extinction. Efforts to preserve an revive the dying languages of the world are fully discussed.