Bo: The death of a language

In 2010, one of the oldest languages in the world died after the death of its last remaining speaker.

For 40 years, Boa Senior from the Indian Andaman Islands was the only person who spoke the Bo language. She died, aged 85.

Leading up to her death, linguist Professor Anvita Abbi spent years attempting to learn the dying language.

Without family or friends who understood her, Boa took to speaking to birds – she said they were her ancestors. Eventually she opened up to Anvita, singing songs and sharing ancient tales.

Anvita was the first and last person to record Boa’s voice.

She talks to Natasha Fernandes about her death and how it changed a whole way of life.

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(Photo: Boa Senior in a tsunami relief camp in 2005. Credit: Anvita Abbi)