Background of the Study
Cultural storytelling has long served as a vital tool for transmitting language and cultural values across generations. In Abeokuta, Yoruba families actively engage in traditional storytelling, a practice that reinforces bilingual language retention by blending Yoruba narratives with modern language usage. Storytelling sessions serve as an informal yet powerful medium for transmitting vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and cultural heritage. Such practices not only aid in preserving the Yoruba language but also support the acquisition and retention of English through comparative and contextual learning (Adeyemi, 2023). Research shows that exposure to culturally enriched narratives enhances memory retention and facilitates language recall (Olaniyi, 2024). Moreover, cultural storytelling creates an engaging environment that promotes active participation, intergenerational dialogue, and identity formation (Babatunde, 2025). However, the increasing influence of digital media and formal education poses challenges to traditional storytelling practices. This study aims to evaluate how cultural storytelling influences bilingual language retention in Yoruba families, exploring its role in maintaining balanced language proficiency and cultural identity.
Statement of the Problem
Although cultural storytelling has traditionally supported language retention, its effectiveness in modern Yoruba families in Abeokuta is under threat. The growing dominance of digital media and formal educational curricula may be diminishing the role of storytelling in language transmission (Adeyemi, 2023). Families face challenges in balancing the preservation of the Yoruba language with the demands of English proficiency, leading to a gradual erosion of native linguistic skills (Olaniyi, 2024). The absence of empirical research on the impact of storytelling on bilingual retention further complicates efforts to integrate this practice into contemporary language preservation strategies (Babatunde, 2025). This study seeks to address these issues by investigating the role of cultural storytelling in sustaining bilingual language retention among Yoruba families.
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the role of cultural storytelling in promoting bilingual language retention.
To evaluate the impact of storytelling practices on language proficiency in Yoruba and English.
To recommend strategies for integrating traditional storytelling into modern bilingual education.
Research Questions:
How does cultural storytelling influence bilingual language retention in Yoruba families?
What storytelling elements contribute most significantly to language preservation?
What methods can enhance the integration of storytelling into bilingual education?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the impact of cultural storytelling on bilingual language retention among Yoruba families in Abeokuta. Its findings will offer valuable insights for educators, community leaders, and policymakers seeking to preserve cultural heritage while promoting bilingual proficiency. By identifying effective storytelling practices, the study will support strategies that harmonize traditional methods with contemporary educational demands (Adeyemi, 2023; Olaniyi, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to examining the impact of cultural storytelling on bilingual language retention in Yoruba families in Abeokuta, without addressing other cultural practices or regions.
Definitions of Terms:
Cultural Storytelling: The tradition of conveying cultural narratives and values through oral storytelling.
Bilingual Language Retention: The maintenance of proficiency in two languages over time.
Yoruba Families: Households where the Yoruba language and cultural practices are predominant.
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