Description: Although not a modern documentary, this silent film provides a historical perspective on the Kwakwaka'wakw people and their language, which was already endangered at the time of filming.

Fact: It is considered one of the first ethnographic films, directed by Edward S. Curtis.

Description: This film traces the journey of a song from Sierra Leone, sung in Mende, which was recorded in the 1930s, to its rediscovery and the subsequent efforts to preserve the language.

Fact: The song in question was recorded by ethnomusicologist Lorenzo Dow Turner.

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote corners of the world to document languages on the brink of extinction, showcasing the urgency and beauty of their mission.

Fact: This film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: This documentary tells the story of the Wampanoag people's efforts to revive their language, which had been lost for over a century, highlighting the cultural and personal significance of language revival.

Fact: The film was directed by Anne Makepeace, who has made several documentaries about Native American culture.

Description: Explore the linguistic diversity of the Pacific Islands, focusing on the efforts to preserve languages like Chamorro and Palauan, which are at risk of disappearing.

Fact: The film was produced by the Smithsonian Institution, showcasing their commitment to cultural preservation.

Description: This film documents the lives of the last speakers of several endangered languages, offering a poignant look at the personal and cultural loss when a language dies.

Fact: The documentary features interviews with linguists and community leaders from around the world.

Description: A series of short films that explore various aspects of language preservation, from the role of technology to the impact of language loss on identity.

Fact: This series was created by the National Geographic Society, known for its educational and cultural documentaries.

Description: While not exclusively about endangered languages, this documentary highlights the innate ability of babies to learn any language, emphasizing the importance of early language exposure.

Fact: It was part of the TED Talks series, bringing scientific insights to a broader audience.

Description: Documenting the efforts to preserve the languages of the Amazon rainforest, this film captures the struggle against time and modernization to keep these languages alive.

Fact: The film was shot over several years, capturing the changing dynamics of language use in the region.

Description: This documentary explores the unique whistled language of La Gomera, a form of communication that is fading away due to modern technology.

Fact: The film was shot in the Canary Islands, showcasing the unique landscape that has influenced this language.

Description: Bob Holman, a poet and language activist, travels globally to explore and celebrate linguistic diversity and the fight against language extinction.

Fact: The series was produced by PBS and features a wide array of languages from around the world.

Description: Although not exclusively about language traditions, this film delves into the language and culture of African-American gay men, exploring identity through language.

Fact: Directed by Marlon Riggs, the film was controversial upon release but has since been recognized for its cultural significance.

Description: This film uncovers the story of a song passed down through generations, linking African Americans in the U.S. with their Sierra Leonean ancestors.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: This film follows two linguists as they travel the world to document dying languages, showcasing the urgency of preserving linguistic diversity.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: This film explores the challenges and benefits of bilingual education in America, showcasing how language shapes identity and education.

Fact: The documentary was directed by Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider, who also directed "Born in the U.S.A." about the children of immigrants.

Description: A heartwarming story of the revival of the Wampanoag language, highlighting the efforts of a community to reclaim their linguistic heritage.

Fact: The film was directed by Anne Makepeace, who also directed "Baby It's You," a documentary about the music of the 1960s.

Description: This documentary explores how babies learn languages, offering insights into the innate linguistic abilities of infants.

Fact: The film features research by Patricia Kuhl, a renowned expert in early language acquisition.

Description: This nine-part series traces the history and evolution of the English language, from its origins to its global spread.

Fact: The series was presented by Robert MacNeil, a well-known journalist, and featured contributions from linguists like David Crystal.

Description: This three-part series examines the nature of language, its origins, and its role in human society, with a focus on linguistic diversity.

Fact: Hosted by Robert MacNeil, the series was produced by WETA and explores various linguistic phenomena.

Description: This documentary focuses on the efforts to document and revive endangered languages, highlighting the cultural loss when languages die out.

Fact: The film was produced by National Geographic and features the work of linguists trying to preserve linguistic heritage.

Description: While focusing on AI's broader implications, this documentary discusses how AI could eventually understand and generate human language better than humans.

Fact: Features interviews with Ray Kurzweil, a leading futurist and inventor in AI.

Description: This film looks at how AI might change work and life, including how language technology could automate communication and translation tasks.

Fact: The documentary was part of a series exploring the future of various aspects of human life.

Description: Although primarily about food, this series often delves into the language of cooking, exploring how chefs communicate and how AI can assist in culinary language processing.

Fact: The series was created by Anthony Bourdain, showcasing his unique perspective on food and culture.

Description: This documentary series explores the history and future of computer code, including its role in language technology, from early programming to modern AI-driven language tools.

Fact: It was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: While not exclusively about language technology, this film touches on Swartz's contributions to open access, which has implications for language data sharing and AI development.

Fact: The film was released under a Creative Commons license, reflecting Swartz's advocacy for open information.

Description: While focusing on data privacy, this documentary touches on how language technology was used in political campaigns, highlighting ethical concerns in AI and language processing.

Fact: It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for a BAFTA award.

Description: This documentary explores the impact of big data on various aspects of life, including language technology. It features how data analysis can predict language trends and improve translation algorithms.

Fact: The film was produced by the same team behind "The Future of Food" and includes interviews with experts from Google and IBM.

Description: A journey into the world of computer languages, this documentary explains how programming languages are developed and how they influence natural language processing.

Fact: The film features a unique segment where a computer program writes poetry, showcasing the potential of AI in creative writing.

Description: This PBS series covers the history of computing, including segments on how computers have influenced language processing and translation.

Fact: It was one of the first documentaries to explore the impact of computers on society in such depth.

Description: This documentary series by Robert Downey Jr. explores AI's impact on various industries, including language technology, with insights into machine learning and natural language processing.

Fact: It features interviews with AI pioneers like Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio.

Description: This series follows poet Bob Holman as he travels the world to explore the diversity of languages, their preservation, and the impact of globalization on linguistic diversity.

Fact: The series was produced by PBS, showcasing Holman's passion for language and poetry.

Description: This Netflix series explores the etymology of profanity, examining how and why certain words became taboo. It's a humorous yet insightful look at language's darker side.

Fact: Hosted by Nicolas Cage, the show combines humor with linguistic analysis to explore the power of swear words.

Description: This nine-part series traces the history of the English language from its origins in Anglo-Saxon times to its global spread. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in how English became the lingua franca of the world.

Fact: The series was produced by the BBC and PBS, featuring interviews with notable linguists like Robert Burchfield and David Crystal.

Description: This documentary explores the diversity of American English, looking at regional dialects, accents, and the social implications of language variation. It's an eye-opener on how language reflects and shapes American identity.

Fact: The film was based on a book by Robert MacNeil and William Cran, who also produced the documentary.

Description: This film dives into the hidden stories behind everyday words, revealing how they've evolved and the surprising connections between them. It's like a linguistic treasure hunt.

Fact: The documentary was directed by Sam Miller, known for his work on other language-related documentaries.

Description: Melvyn Bragg takes viewers on a journey through the history of the English language, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global language. It's both educational and entertaining.

Fact: The series was inspired by Bragg's book of the same name, offering a comprehensive look at English's development.

Description: This three-part series delves into the nature of language, its origins, and how it shapes human thought and culture. It's a deep dive into the essence of communication.

Fact: The series was produced by the Discovery Channel, featuring experts like Steven Pinker and Noam Chomsky.

Description: Based on Mark Forsyth's book, this documentary traces the curious connections between words, revealing the surprising origins of everyday language.

Fact: The film was adapted from Forsyth's popular book, which became a bestseller for its witty exploration of etymology.

Description: This documentary series explores the development of language from prehistoric times to the modern era, focusing on how languages have evolved and influenced each other.

Fact: It was produced by the BBC, offering a global perspective on language development.

Description: A quick and entertaining overview of the history of the English language, this documentary condenses centuries of linguistic evolution into a concise and humorous ten-minute format.

Fact: Created by the Open University, it's designed to make the history of English accessible and fun.

Description: A deep dive into the world of conlangers, people who create languages for fun, art, or for use in fiction. This film is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the creative process behind language construction.

Fact: The documentary was crowdfunded and features interviews with creators of languages from popular TV shows and movies.

Description: This documentary explores the history and impact of Esperanto, a language created to foster international understanding. It's a must-watch for understanding how a constructed language can influence global communication.

Fact: The film features interviews with Esperanto speakers from around the world, showcasing the language's global community.

Description: This film traces the history of constructed languages from the 17th century to the present day, offering a broad perspective on why humans create new languages.

Fact: It includes rare archival footage of early conlang enthusiasts and their attempts to promote their languages.

Description: Focused on the most famous constructed language from Star Trek, this documentary looks at the community of Klingon speakers and their dedication to keeping the language alive.

Fact: The film includes scenes from the annual Klingon Language Institute conference, where attendees speak only in Klingon.

Description: Explore the creation of Dothraki for HBO's "Game of Thrones" and how it became a living language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and culture.

Fact: The language was developed by linguist David J. Peterson, who also created languages for other shows.

Description: This documentary examines J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of Elvish languages, their linguistic depth, and their influence on modern fantasy literature.

Fact: Features interviews with Tolkien scholars and fans who have learned to speak Elvish.

Description: A look at the constructed languages used in video games and how they contribute to world-building and player immersion.

Fact: The film includes insights from game developers on the challenges of creating believable languages.

Description: While not strictly about constructed languages, this documentary explores the complex communication of bees, which some might argue is a natural form of constructed language.

Fact: The film uses innovative filming techniques to capture the bees' communication in action.

Description: Based on the book by David J. Peterson, this documentary delves into the process of creating languages for movies, TV shows, and books.

Fact: Peterson, who created Dothraki, provides a step-by-step guide on how to invent a language.

Description: This documentary speculates on the future of language, including the role of constructed languages in a globalized world.

Fact: It features futurists and linguists discussing the potential evolution of human communication.

Description: This film tells the story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on the unlikely partnership between a professor and a patient in an asylum. It's a tale of obsession, madness, and the love of words.

Fact: The film is based on the book by Simon Winchester, which itself is based on real events. The character of Dr. Minor was actually an American Civil War surgeon who contributed over 10,000 entries to the OED.

Description: This documentary explores how the public contributed to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting the democratic nature of language development.

Fact: The film features interviews with volunteers who submitted words and definitions, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of contributors.

Description: A look into the fierce competition between dictionary publishers in the 19th and 20th centuries, revealing the battles over definitions, spellings, and the very essence of language.

Fact: The film includes archival footage of lexicographers debating over the inclusion of new words like "ain't" and "OK."

Description: This documentary follows the lives of modern lexicographers, showing the process of word selection, definition writing, and the challenges of keeping dictionaries up-to-date.

Fact: It features a behind-the-scenes look at the Merriam-Webster dictionary, including how they decide which new words to include.

Description: An intimate look at the world of dictionary making, exploring the personal stories of lexicographers and the impact of their work on language preservation.

Fact: The film includes interviews with Kory Stamper, a lexicographer who wrote a book about her experiences in dictionary making.

Description: This documentary examines the historical and cultural significance of dictionaries, from ancient times to the digital age, showing how they reflect societal changes.

Fact: It features a segment on the first known dictionary, the "Erya," from ancient China.

Description: A unique documentary that follows a project to create a dictionary for a fictional language, exploring the creative process and the role of dictionaries in world-building.

Fact: The project was inspired by the fictional language of Na'vi from the movie "Avatar."

Description: This film delves into the etymology of words, showing how dictionaries serve as a bridge between past and present, and how language evolves.

Fact: It includes a segment on how the word "nerd" entered the English language.

Description: An exploration of how dictionaries have influenced revolutions in thought, from the Enlightenment to modern-day social movements, through the power of words.

Fact: The film discusses how the French Revolution was partly fueled by the spread of literacy and the use of dictionaries.

Description: A documentary that profiles the lives of contemporary lexicographers, focusing on their dedication to preserving and evolving language through dictionaries.

Fact: It features a segment on the challenges of defining slang and internet terminology in modern dictionaries.

Description: This documentary delves into the power of words, exploring how language shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and how it has evolved to reflect societal changes.

Fact: The film features interviews with linguists, psychologists, and authors to provide a broad perspective on language.

Description: While not strictly a documentary, this film explores the theme of language barriers and communication across cultures, reflecting on the evolution of language in a globalized world.

Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Original Score.

Description: Poet Bob Holman explores the world's linguistic diversity, focusing on endangered languages and the efforts to save them.

Fact: Bob Holman is known for his work in poetry and his advocacy for language preservation.

Description: This documentary traces the journey of a song from Sierra Leone to the United States, exploring the survival of African languages and cultures through the slave trade.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote regions to document endangered languages, showcasing the race against time to preserve linguistic diversity.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: Hosted by Nicolas Cage, this series looks at the history and evolution of profanity, examining how these words have changed in meaning and usage over time.

Fact: The series was released on Netflix and covers a wide range of languages and cultures.

Description: This documentary series traces the history of the English language from its roots in Anglo-Saxon times to its current global dominance, highlighting its evolution through various cultural and historical influences.

Fact: The series was co-produced by the BBC and PBS, and it features interviews with notable linguists like Robert Burchfield and David Crystal.

Description: This documentary explores the diversity of American English, examining how regional dialects, social factors, and media influence language change across the United States.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book of the same name by Robert MacNeil and William Cran.

Description: This three-part series investigates the origins, structure, and future of human language, featuring insights from linguists like Noam Chomsky and Steven Pinker.

Fact: The series was produced by the Discovery Channel and has been used in educational settings to teach linguistics.

Description: Based on Mark Forsyth's book, this documentary takes viewers on a journey through the curious origins of everyday words, revealing the fascinating stories behind them.

Fact: The film was produced by the same team that brought "Horrible Histories" to life.

Description: While not a documentary, this film is based on the true story of Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, who taught her sign language, providing insight into the transformative power of communication through touch and sign.

Fact: The film won two Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Anne Bancroft and Best Supporting Actress for Patty Duke.

Description: This film profiles four deaf entertainers, including a drummer, a comedian, an actress, and a singer, showing how they navigate the entertainment industry while using sign language as their primary means of communication.

Fact: The documentary includes a performance by deaf singer Sean Forbes, who has opened for Eminem.

Description: This documentary tells the story of William Hoy, a deaf baseball player from the 19th century, who revolutionized the game by introducing hand signals, which are now standard in baseball.

Fact: Hoy's contributions to baseball were recognized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in

Description: This film follows a deaf man's journey to regain his hearing through a cochlear implant, capturing the emotional and cultural implications of this decision within the deaf community.

Fact: The protagonist, Paul McCartney, is not related to the famous Beatle but shares the same name.

Description: This documentary explores the profound decisions faced by two deaf brothers, one of whom chooses to have his child undergo a cochlear implant, while the other opts for his children to grow up deaf and learn sign language. It delves into the cultural and personal implications of these choices.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It sparked widespread discussion on the ethics of cochlear implants in the deaf community.

Description: This PBS documentary traces the history of deaf culture in America, highlighting the evolution of sign language and the struggles for recognition and rights. It features interviews with deaf individuals from various backgrounds, providing a comprehensive look at the community.

Fact: The film was produced in collaboration with Gallaudet University, a world-renowned institution for deaf education.

Description: This documentary follows a group of deaf individuals as they prepare for a unique performance of "The End," a play about the apocalypse, entirely in British Sign Language (BSL). It showcases the artistry and expressiveness of BSL.

Fact: The film was directed by a deaf filmmaker, ensuring an authentic representation of the deaf experience.

Description: This heartwarming documentary follows Aneta Brodski, a deaf teenager, as she collaborates with a hearing beatboxer to create a unique performance that bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds through music and sign language.

Fact: The film won the Audience Award at the South by Southwest Film Festival.

Description: This documentary explores the intersection of technology and sign language, focusing on how digital tools are changing the way deaf people communicate and interact with the world.

Fact: The film features interviews with pioneers in deaf technology and accessibility.

Description: This film explores the concept of "Deafhood," a term coined to describe the cultural, linguistic, and social identity of deaf people, contrasting it with the medical model of deafness.

Fact: The term "Deafhood" was introduced by Paddy Ladd, a deaf scholar, to challenge the prevailing views on deafness.

Description: While not strictly about language, this documentary explores the cultural and linguistic journey of a dish, reflecting on how food and language intertwine in cultural identity.

Fact: The film was directed by Ian Cheney, who also directed "The City Dark."

Description: Bob Holman travels the world to explore language preservation, from endangered languages to poetry slams, showcasing the vibrancy of linguistic diversity.

Fact: The series was aired on PBS.

Description: This documentary provides an intimate look at the lives of deaf people in France, showcasing the richness of sign language and deaf culture.

Fact: It was directed by Nicolas Philibert, known for his insightful documentaries.

Description: Discover the journey of a song that links African Americans with their Sierra Leonean ancestors, exploring the power of language in preserving history.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Follow two linguists as they travel to remote corners of the world to document endangered languages, showcasing the urgency of language preservation.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: This documentary tells the story of the Wampanoag tribe's efforts to revive their language, lost for generations, highlighting the cultural significance of language.

Fact: The film was featured at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: Explore the lives of the last fluent speakers of various languages, capturing their efforts to pass on their linguistic heritage before it's too late.

Fact: The documentary was produced by National Geographic.

Description: This film delves into the preservation of Tibetan languages, highlighting the cultural and spiritual importance of these ancient tongues.

Fact: It was screened at the International Buddhist Film Festival.

Description: A nine-part series that traces the history and evolution of the English language, offering insights into its global spread and linguistic diversity.

Fact: The series was presented by Robert MacNeil, a well-known journalist.

Description: This three-part series explores the origins, structure, and diversity of human language, featuring interviews with linguists and language users worldwide.

Fact: It was produced by the Discovery Channel.

Description: While not strictly about language, this film delves into the language of activism and how it shapes environmental movements, providing insight into the power of words.

Fact: The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Description: While primarily about food, this documentary also explores the cultural and linguistic exchange between China and the West, focusing on the dish named after General Tso.

Fact: The film was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Description: This documentary uncovers the story of a song sung in Mende, a language from Sierra Leone, and its journey to America, illustrating the power of language in preserving cultural heritage.

Fact: The film won the Grand Prize at the 1999 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival.

Description: This documentary follows two linguists as they travel the globe to document dying languages, showcasing the urgent need for linguistic preservation.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Science and Technology Programming.

Description: This nine-part series traces the history and evolution of the English language, exploring its cultural impact and the diversity of its dialects.

Fact: It was one of the first documentaries to explore the global spread of English.

Description: This film examines the linguistic diversity in the United States, highlighting how language reflects and shapes American identity.

Fact: It was produced by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Description: This three-part series delves into the origins, structure, and diversity of human language, offering a comprehensive look at linguistics.

Fact: It was produced by the National Geographic Society.

Description: This documentary explores how Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) used language creatively to teach children to read, highlighting the importance of linguistic play.

Fact: It was part of the PBS series "American Masters."

Description: Based on Mark Forsyth's book, this film traces the curious origins of words, offering a humorous and insightful look into the history of language.

Fact: The film was inspired by the popular book of the same name.

Description: This documentary explores the history, evolution, and cultural significance of Chinese characters, offering a deep dive into one of the world's oldest writing systems.

Fact: It was produced by CCTV-9 Documentary Channel.