Urania S

THE DATA ✦✦✦

For my final data visualization project, I chose to work with a dataset with endangered and extinct languages around the world.

I decided to work with this dataset because when I took a look at the dataset at first, it shocked me to find so many languages in so many areas. I found it interesting how there were so many different ethnicities, groups of people, and countries who spoke various dialects. I discovered more and went off on several tangents about the cultures I would see in the datasets.

THE VISUALIZATION ✦✦✦

In my visualization, the data is represented as dots on a map. The size of the dots are based on the number of speakers left speaking the language, as are the colors. The more red they are, the more endangered (or extinct!) they are. The greener/bluer they are, the more speakers there are left.

To interact with the visualization, try hovering your mouse over the dots! You can also try zooming in to see them better. You'll see the language name and the approximate amount of speakers left.

MY OBSERVATIONS ✦✦✦

Something I noticed during this project is how prominent language loss was in Canada, South America, and in the pacific islands.

Something I still wonder about is why there are so many green dots in Europe - is it due to a thriving language but a small area, or due to the beginning of extinction of the language?

MY PROCESS ✦✦✦

The most challenging moment of this project was understanding how the mappa.js database worked, since a lot of it was preset code and downloads.

If I had more time, I would like to possible make animations with the dots or include some more interesting information on the map, or go deeper into the topic and include information panels.

My proudest moment during this project was when I was able to get mappa.js working! it took almost a whole class.