Centuries-old languages in Japan and South Korea are on the verge of being wiped out, due to an unfortunate mix of history, politics and modernisation. The Ainu people once inhabited much of Hokkaido, but their language was outlawed and they were persecuted after Japan's Meiji government annexed the territory in 1869. Today, many Ainu refuse to disclose their identity. Some do not even know they are Ainu, and few speak the language fluently. Over in Jeju Island, it has its own language – one that is so different from standard Korean that there are rumours the military uses it as a code. With standard Korean now used predominantly, Jeju-eo has receded in importance and is spoken mostly by the elderly. But growing fears that it may die out are prompting renewed efforts to teach Jeju-eo to the next generation. Can Asia’s endangered languages survive the passage of time, or will they end up a footnote in history? 00:00 Opening title 00:15 Disappearing language of the Ainu people 04:53 Gods of the Ainu 10:02 Jeju Island's unique dialect Jeju-eo dying out? 17:44 Social media, schools spearheading Jeju-eo’s revival ================= About CNA Correspondent: They're your eyes and ears around the globe. CNA's network of correspondents shines a light on stories from their corners of the world, from groundbreaking events to up-and-coming trends. ================= #CNAInsider #CNACorrespondent #Asia #Language #Japan #SouthKorea #Meiji #Jeju #Ainu For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER https://cna.asia/insideryoutubesub Follow CNA INSIDER on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnainsider/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnainsider/ Website: https://cna.asia/cnainsider