Asian Endangered Languages in 2023

Language is more than a tool for communication—it’s a vessel of identity, memory, and culture. Yet across Asia, hundreds of languages are facing extinction. A 2023 chart from Seasia Stats reveals the urgent reality of language endangerment across the continent, and Indonesia sits at the top with 425 endangered languages, the most in Asia.

Papua New Guinea and China Also Face Serious Risks

Following Indonesia, Papua New Guinea has 312 endangered languages, despite being home to the world’s highest linguistic diversity. In China, 133 languages are at risk, reflecting the country’s complex ethnic and cultural landscape.

India and Southeast Asia: High Diversity, High Threat

India, with its vast multilingual population, ranks fourth with 114 endangered languages. Meanwhile, Malaysia (82) and the Philippines (48) show that linguistic threats are also significant in Southeast Asia, especially among indigenous and minority communities.

Other Countries in the Danger Zone

Nepal (62) and Iran (36) also show notable numbers, while Vietnam rounds out the list with 29 endangered languages, still a concerning figure given the cultural richness they represent.

What This Means for Cultural Heritage

These numbers are more than statistics—they represent the possible erasure of generations of knowledge, oral history, and identity. Language revitalization programs, intergenerational transmission, and community-driven efforts are critical to preserving these living legacies.