In a world where the number of languages spoken is rapidly declining, author Laura Spinney's latest book, Proto: How One Ancient Language Went Global, sheds light on the origins and evolution of the Proto-Indo-European language. Spinney's work explores the linguistic expansion that began around 5,000 years ago from the Black Sea region, a pivotal area for early human civilization.
According to Spinney, approximately eight billion people currently communicate in roughly 7,000 languages, which are classified into about 140 families. The majority of these languages belong to five major groups: Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, Niger-Congo, Afro-Asiatic, and Austronesian. The Indo-European family, which includes languages like Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Old Norse, and English, traces its roots back to Proto-Indo-European, the common ancestor of many modern languages.
In an interview with Indian Express, Spinney elaborated on her fascination with the Proto-Indo-European language, stating, "As a science journalist, I have always been interested in language, though in the past my focus was more on its neuroscientific and psychological aspects." She noted that the ancient DNA revolution has transformed our understanding of the origins of these languages, as historical texts cannot provide insights into the languages that disappeared before they were documented.
Spinney emphasizes the importance of the Black Sea region, describing it as the cradle of Indo-European languages. She explains, "The general idea is that Proto-Indo-European... was a language that emerged on the steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas around 5,000 years ago." This region was not only crucial for language development but also for early trade, particularly in copper, which flourished around 6,500 years ago. Spinney argues that trade necessitated a common language, leading to the emergence of a lingua franca, which she believes contributed to the development of early Indo-European languages.
Today, English has taken on the role of a global lingua franca, dominating international communication and trade. Spinney acknowledges this, stating, "Yes, English is definitely a lingua franca — the first and arguably the only global one, for now." However, she warns that the geopolitical landscape is always changing, and the dominance of any language can shift based on various factors.
As Spinney discusses the evolution of languages, she also highlights the alarming trend of language loss. Estimates suggest that by the end of this century, we might lose a quarter of all living languages. Spinney notes that while language decline has always occurred, the current pace is unprecedented, likening it to the ongoing loss of biodiversity. "We are living through a period of rapid language decline, much like the ongoing loss of biodiversity," she states, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these two phenomena.
In a separate but related context, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) has recently raised concerns about the future of translation services in Canada. In March 2025, CAPE denounced a five-year plan from the Canadian government’s Translation Bureau to cut over 300 positions due to a decline in demand, partly attributed to the increasing use of AI translation.
CAPE argues that these cuts will hinder access to quality information for francophone Canadians, as the remaining staff may not be sufficient to maintain translation standards. Nearly 70 Canadian academics have signed an open letter demanding that the government cancel the plan to reduce staff at the Translation Bureau. Chantal Gagnon, a professor in the Department of Linguistics and Translation at the Université de Montréal, emphasized the importance of experienced staff in maintaining translation quality, stating, "We, as translation experts, are concerned about the quality of federal government translations due to the departure of experienced staff without prompt replacement."
The open letter criticizes the government’s reliance on AI translation technology, arguing that it may lead to translations that are "colored by English" and could compromise the integrity of French translations. The writers express concerns about AI tools being prone to hallucination and weaker performance in specialized domains, stating that while these tools can support translators, they could ultimately lead to worse working conditions and lower translation quality.
In response to these concerns, CAPE published another press release on April 16, 2025, reiterating their demand for the government to reverse the decision to cut jobs from the Translation Bureau. They also called for the Bureau to be permanently funded and for its services to be mandatory and free for all federal departments. Furthermore, CAPE advocates for the Translation Bureau to be transferred under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity.
The debates around language, translation, and technology are crucial as they highlight the ongoing challenges faced by languages in a rapidly changing world. As Spinney notes, language is a tool that evolves with its speakers, and its survival hinges on its utility and relevance in society. The loss of languages not only diminishes cultural diversity but also erases vast amounts of local knowledge and history.
In conclusion, both Laura Spinney's exploration of Proto-Indo-European and the current situation regarding the Translation Bureau in Canada underscore the vital role of language in shaping human experience. As we navigate the complexities of modern communication, it is essential to recognize the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and ensuring equitable access to translation services for all communities.
