Sociolinguistic analysis demonstrates cultural and identity decline from language shift in Igbo communities, highlighting the need for native language revitalization.
Key Points
To investigate the factors driving the shift away from the Igbo language toward foreign languages and evaluate strategies for preserving Igbo linguistic and cultural identity.
Applied Carl Rogers’ human-centered framework alongside sociolinguistic theory to evaluate language shift.
Analyzed the emotional, cultural, and social drivers of language attrition and changing youth attitudes.
Identified globalization and foreign language prestige as primary factors driving disuse of the native Igbo language.
Demonstrated that ongoing language attrition directly compromises cultural continuity, self-identity, and societal pride.
Proposed sustained native language practice within local and diaspora communities as essential for cultural preservation.