Gegenwartssprachen
Gegenwartssprachen refers to languages that are currently spoken by a community of people. This term contrasts with extinct languages, which are no longer spoken by anyone. The study of Gegenwartssprachen is a central focus of linguistics, as it allows for direct observation and analysis of language in use. Researchers can study phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics of living languages through fieldwork, corpus analysis, and experimental methods.
The concept of Gegenwartssprachen also encompasses the dynamic nature of language. Living languages are constantly evolving,
Furthermore, understanding Gegenwartssprachen is crucial for language revitalization efforts. Many languages around the world are endangered,