An extinct language is?

An extinct language is?

• A. A language that no longer has native speakers.
• B. A language with no writing system
• C. A language spoken only by elders
• D. A revived language

Answer: (A)

An extinct language is defined by having no native speakers left. If no one learns or uses the language as their first language in daily life, it is considered extinct. The option describing no writing system isn’t a defining factor, since unwritten languages can still be spoken and taught. Being spoken only by elders points to endangerment but not necessarily extinction, as some speakers remain. A revived language has been brought back into use and, with living speakers, is not extinct. So the best choice is the one stating there are no native speakers.

An extinct language is defined by having no native speakers left. If no one learns or uses the language as their first language in daily life, it is considered extinct. The option describing no writing system isn’t a defining factor, since unwritten languages can still be spoken and taught. Being spoken only by elders points to endangerment but not necessarily extinction, as some speakers remain. A revived language has been brought back into use and, with living speakers, is not extinct. So the best choice is the one stating there are no native speakers.