Final answer:
The standard language myth, or the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the language we speak influences how we think about reality. This hypothesis has been widely debated and highlights the intertwining of language and culture. Language revitalization efforts demonstrate that dormant or endangered languages can be revived.
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard language myth, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis or linguistic relativity, suggests that the language we speak influences how we think about reality. Different languages can encourage different habits of thought. For example, English vocabulary divides time into units that can be counted, while other languages may have different ways of conceptualizing time.
While the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis has been widely debated and is not universally accepted, it highlights the idea that language and culture are intertwined. Language not only serves as a means of communication, but also shapes our perception of the world and our behavior. It is important to recognize the diversity of languages and the rich cultural knowledge encoded within them.
Language revitalization efforts have also shown that languages considered to be dormant or endangered can be brought back to life through strategic programs and community engagement. So, while some languages may be in danger of dying out, there is still hope for their revitalization and preservation.