Arts & Ideas Language
Jun 20, 2025
Oliver Kamm, a journalist and son of a literary translator, joins language expert Ross Perlin, who focuses on endangered tongues, and veteran commentator Peter Hitchens. They discuss the deep ties between language, identity, and migration. Ellis James shares his journey in switching to Welsh for comedy, highlighting the unique challenges of humor in translation. The conversation advocates for preserving linguistic diversity and critiques UK immigration policies regarding language. They also reflect on the vibrant multicultural landscape of urban areas and the evolving nature of English.
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Ellis James' Bilingual Journey
- Ellis James grew up bilingual with Welsh and English, mixing them as a child.
- He only recently began French lessons to expand his linguistic journey.
Survival of Endangered Languages
- Endangered languages like Seke often survive through migration and multicultural hub cities.
- Many speakers are multilingual without formal education in these languages, highlighting organic language dynamics.
Endangered vs Dying Languages
- "Endangered" better describes languages at risk than "dying" which implies biological decay.
- Shifts occur as speakers adopt other languages amid cultural change and varying community reactions.
