2 A language is more than just a means of communication. It's also a way of seeing and understanding our world. Every language on our planet comprises a unique microcosm of beliefs, practices and customs that connects its speakers to their collective past. But today, 43% of them are at risk of being spoken no more, according to data collected by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco). Protecting them is a matter of human rights, and time is running out. Of the world's estimated 7,100 known languages -- more than 2,000 of which are indigenous to Asia -- nine out of 1...