Background of the study
This study explores the impact of religious festivals on language revitalization in Igbo communities in Onitsha. Religious festivals are central cultural events that celebrate heritage, rituals, and community identity. In Igbo communities, festivals provide a platform for the active use of the language in songs, prayers, and traditional narratives, contributing to language preservation and revitalization (Okafor, 2023). The study investigates how these festivals reinforce linguistic practices by promoting the use of indigenous vocabulary, proverbs, and traditional storytelling. Data is collected through field observations during festivals, interviews with cultural leaders and participants, and analysis of festival programs and performances. The research examines the role of religious festivals in fostering a sense of pride and continuity among younger generations, and how such events counter the effects of language shift and urbanization. By highlighting the interplay between religious celebration and language use, the study aims to offer insights into effective strategies for language revitalization in Igbo communities, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
Statement of the problem
Despite the potential of religious festivals to revitalize the Igbo language, challenges remain in ensuring sustained language use outside festival periods (Okafor, 2023). Limited integration of festival-driven language practices into everyday communication has led to concerns about long-term language preservation. Additionally, modern influences and urban lifestyles often diminish the impact of traditional practices, threatening the continuity of indigenous language use. This study seeks to identify these challenges and evaluate the effectiveness of religious festivals in promoting ongoing language revitalization in Igbo communities in Onitsha.
Objectives of the study:
To assess the role of religious festivals in promoting Igbo language use.
To identify challenges in sustaining language revitalization efforts.
To recommend strategies for integrating festival practices into daily life.
Research questions:
How do religious festivals influence Igbo language practices?
What challenges limit the long-term impact of these festivals?
What strategies can promote continuous language use?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines the role of religious festivals in Igbo language revitalization, offering valuable insights for cultural preservation. The findings will benefit cultural policymakers, educators, and community leaders by suggesting ways to integrate traditional language practices into everyday life (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
Limited to Igbo communities in Onitsha; focuses on religious festivals and does not cover secular language initiatives.
Definitions of terms:
Language revitalization: Efforts to restore and sustain language use.
Religious festivals: Cultural events celebrating spiritual and traditional practices.
Indigenous language: The native language of a community.
Background of the Study
Language immersion techniques, which involve teaching subjects in a target language, are increasin...
THE ROLE OF FIDUCIARY ACCOUNTANTS IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS
The study aims to (1) investigate the role of fiduciary acc...
Industrial pollution, resulting from the emissions of hazardous chemicals and...
OVERVIEW
The cold chain is a science, a technology and a process. It is a science since it requires the understanding of...
Background of the Study
Internal auditing plays a critical role in ensuring the financial...
Background of the study
Teachers’ professional development is a cornerstone of effective education,...
Background of the Study
University campuses are dynamic environments, requiring effective management of their physical and digital infrastru...
Background of the Study:
The advent of online education has ushered in innovative approaches to address learning deficienci...
Background of the Study
Online education platforms have emerged as transformative tools for skill development, particularl...
Background of the Study
Maternal healthcare utilization is crucial for reducing maternal mortality and morbidity. In rur...