LANGUAGE LOSS AND CULTURAL IDENTITY: THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN LINGUISTIC EXTINCTION AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Abstract

Language is a core component of cultural identity, encapsulating a community’s history, worldview, and social practices. The rapid loss of indigenous and minority languages worldwide poses significant threats to cultural diversity and the self-understanding of affected communities. This article explores the causes and consequences of language loss, emphasizing its impact on cultural identity, social cohesion, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. Drawing on case studies and theoretical frameworks from sociolinguistics, anthropology, and cultural studies, the paper highlights efforts toward language revitalization and the complex relationship between language preservation and cultural survival in a globalized world.