The Toto language, spoken by only 1,600 people, is primarily spoken in West Bengal, India. This region is home to the Toto tribe, which is one of the smallest and most marginalized indigenous communities in the country. The Toto language is an endangered language, with very few speakers left, and is on the brink of extinction due to various factors.

Geographical location of Toto language speakers:
The Toto tribe resides primarily in the northern part of West Bengal, in the Alipurduar district. The main Toto village, Totopara, is located near the Indo-Bhutan border, close to the Jaldapara National Park. This region is known for its dense forests and is inhabited by various indigenous communities.

Factors contributing to the extinction of the Toto language:

1. Demographic decline: The Toto tribe has faced a decline in population over the years, resulting in a decrease in the number of Toto language speakers. The Toto population has been affected by various factors such as migration, assimilation, and low birth rates.

2. Language shift: With the increasing influence of the dominant languages in the region, such as Bengali and Hindi, the younger generation of Toto speakers is shifting towards these languages. This shift is primarily driven by the need for communication, education, and economic opportunities.

3. Lack of documentation and preservation: The Toto language has not been extensively documented or preserved, which hampers efforts to revitalize and promote it. The absence of written literature, dictionaries, and educational materials in the Toto language makes it difficult for future generations to learn and use the language.

Efforts to preserve the Toto language:

1. Language revitalization programs: Efforts are being made by both governmental and non-governmental organizations to revitalize the Toto language. These programs focus on creating awareness, providing language education, and promoting cultural activities related to the Toto tribe.

2. Documentation and preservation: Linguists and researchers are working on documenting the Toto language and creating resources such as dictionaries and grammar guides. These initiatives aim to preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Toto tribe.

3. Community involvement: The Toto community plays a crucial role in the preservation of their language. Recognizing this, community-led initiatives are being encouraged to ensure active participation and ownership in language revitalization efforts.

In conclusion, the Toto language is primarily spoken in West Bengal, India, and is facing the threat of extinction. The Toto tribe, one of the smallest indigenous communities in the country, is working towards preserving their language through various efforts, including language revitalization programs, documentation, and community involvement.