Final answer:
The accurate option is that the number of languages is declining and efforts are being made to preserve them, with language revitalization being a key aspect.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to "The Case of the Disappearing Words," the number of languages in use is declining, leading people to work on preserving them. This decline is due to factors such as globalization, which often results in smaller language communities abandoning their tongues in favor of more globally dominant languages that offer better opportunities for trade and employment. As a result, many indigenous and lesser-known languages are at risk of becoming dormant or even extinct. However, there are revitalization efforts aiming to recover these endangered languages by documenting, teaching, and creating environments where they are spoken exclusively. These efforts show that while the number of languages in use might have been declining, the dedication of linguists and community members to language preservation can help maintain and even revive them.