# Endangered Languages Archive

> Archive of collections of audio and video recordings, transcriptions and translations, dictionaries, and primers in and of endangered languages

**Wikidata**: [Q22312868](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22312868)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_Languages_Archive)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/endangered-languages-archive

## Summary
The Endangered Languages Archive (ELAR) is a specialized digital repository that preserves and provides access to collections of audio and video recordings, transcriptions, translations, dictionaries, and primers related to endangered languages. Founded in 2002 and initially hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, the archive has been maintained by the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Germany since July 2021.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 2002 as a repository for endangered language materials
- Officially known as ELAR (Endangered Languages Archive)
- Originally maintained by School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London in the United Kingdom
- Since July 2021, maintained by Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Germany
- Houses collections of audio and video recordings, transcriptions, translations, dictionaries, and primers
- Directed by Mandana Seyfeddinipur since 2014
- Located in London (51.5225°N, 0.1292°W) until July 2021, then in Berlin (52.5139°N, 13.3942°E)
- Classified as a research institute, educational institution, and archives
- Has Wikidata property P8043

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Endangered Languages Archive?
A: The Endangered Languages Archive preserves and provides access to collections of endangered language materials, including audio and video recordings, transcriptions, translations, dictionaries, and primers, to document and maintain linguistic diversity that might otherwise be lost.

### Q: Where is the Endangered Languages Archive located?
A: The archive was originally located in London, United Kingdom, at the School of Oriental and African Studies. Since July 2021, it has been hosted by the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Germany.

### Q: Who directs the Endangered Languages Archive?
A: Mandana Seyfeddinipur has been the director/manager of the Endangered Languages Archive since 2014.

## Why It Matters
The Endangered Languages Archive plays a critical role in global efforts to preserve linguistic diversity at a time when languages are disappearing at an alarming rate. By documenting endangered languages through comprehensive collections of recordings, texts, and resources, the archive ensures that these languages and their unique cultural knowledge are not lost forever. This preservation is vital for maintaining human cultural diversity, providing communities with resources to revitalize their languages, and enabling future research in linguistics, anthropology, and cognitive science.

## Notable For
- Comprehensive digital repository for all aspects of endangered language documentation including audio/video recordings, transcriptions, translations, dictionaries, and primers
- Transitioned institutional home from London to Berlin in 2021 demonstrating adaptability and continued relevance in language preservation
- Associated with both prestigious academic institutions (SOAS and Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities)
- Maintained continuity in leadership under Mandana Seyfeddinibur since 2014

## Body
### Overview
The Endangered Languages Archive (ELAR) is a specialized repository that preserves endangered language materials. It was established in 2002 and serves as a digital archive containing diverse linguistic resources.

### Host Institutions
- School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (2002-2021)
- Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2021-present)

### Geographic Location
- London, United Kingdom: Coordinates 51.5225°N, 0.1292°W (until July 2021)
- Berlin, Germany: Coordinates 52.5139°N, 13.3942°E (from July 2021)

### Leadership
- Mandana Seyfeddinipur has served as director/manager since 2014

### Collection Types
The archive houses various types of endangered language materials:
- Audio and video recordings
- Transcriptions and translations
- Dictionaries
- Primers (language learning materials)

### Classification
The Endangered Languages Archive is classified as:
- Research institute
- Educational institution
- Archives

### Digital Presence
- Official website: https://www.elararchive.org/ (English language)
- Available on Wikipedia in English and Bengali
- Wikidata property: P8043
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/11bx56lhsf

## References

1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20210702140742/https://elararchive.org/blog/2021/06/25/eldp-funding-renewed/)