METU EPE Note-taking Exam Practice 6 - Disappearing Languages

Listening Practice: Disappearing Languages

An interactive B2-C1 level Listening Note-Taking practice designed for students preparing for academic exams like METU EPE and IELTS.

B2-C1 seviyesinde ODTÜ/ İYS interaktif dinleme ve not alma alıştırması. Önce dinleyin ve kağıda not alın, ardından soruları yanıtlayın.

Target: B2-C1 / METU EPE & IELTS

Instructions: Listen to the lecture once and take notes. Once the listening has finished, click the button below to see the questions.

NOTE-TAKING SHEET (Practice 6)

Definition of language endangerment:

Global statistics and projections:

Economic and social pressures:

Urban migration effects:

Why language loss matters:

Documentation vs. revitalization:

1. According to the lecture, when is a language considered endangered?

a) When children no longer acquire it naturally

b) When it has fewer than a thousand speakers

c) When it lacks a written form

2. What does the speaker emphasize about the prediction that 40 percent of languages will disappear?

a) It assumes rapid political change

b) It reflects a long-term generational shift

c) It is based mainly on historical comparisons

3. Why do speakers of minority languages often switch to dominant languages?

a) They wish to distance themselves from their traditional culture.

b) Proficiency in a dominant language is necessary for jobs and services.

c) National laws usually ban the use of minority languages in cities.

4. Why is much cultural knowledge lost when a language disappears?

a) Because modern societies no longer value it

b) Because translations are usually inaccurate

c) Because the knowledge is often not written down

5. What was the main justification for restrictive language policies in earlier education systems?

a) Encouraging social integration

b) Preserving linguistic diversity

c) Improving academic performance

6. What condition does the speaker say is crucial for successful language revitalization?

a) The development of standardized teaching materials

b) The presence of fluent speakers and community support

c) Government funding over long periods

Model Note-Taking Sample 📝

Def. of Lang. Endangerment: Key: no natural transmission to children (V. Important). Adults may speak it, but it's on path to extinction if kids don't learn.

Stats & Projections: ~7,000 langs worldwide. 40% disappear in 100 yrs. Slow/persistent generational shift, not sudden events.

Econ/Social Pressures: Globalization -> switch to dominant lang. Need edu, jobs, govt services. Minority lang restricted to private/informal context.

Urban Migration: Move to cities = fewer opps to use native lang. Reduced exposure = reduced fluency. Daily use declines.

Why Loss Matters: Langs = distinct knowledge systems. Much info NOT written down. Loss = knowledge inaccessible.

Doc vs. Revit: Doc: recording speech/grammar. Revit: restoring active use. Success needs: strong local support + fluent speakers.

For further EPE note-taking practice: Click here