Language Preservation and Identity: A Case Study of the Ewe Language in Ho, Ghana
Keywords:
language preservation, cultural identity, Ewe language, Ghana, sociolinguistics, minority languagesAbstract
This study examines the relationship between language preservation and cultural identity through a comprehensive analysis of the Ewe language community in Ho, Ghana. The research examines how language maintenance efforts contribute to the preservation of cultural identity among Ewe speakers in Ghana's rapidly changing sociolinguistic landscape. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines ethnographic fieldwork, linguistic documentation, and community-based participatory research, this study explores the challenges and opportunities facing the Ewe language in the digital era. The findings reveal significant intergenerational language shift patterns, with younger speakers increasingly adopting English and local lingua francas while maintaining strong emotional connections to their ancestral language. The study identifies key factors influencing language vitality, including educational policies, urbanization, technological integration, and community-driven preservation initiatives. Results demonstrate that successful language preservation requires a multifaceted approach combining formal education, community engagement, digital innovation, and policy support. The research contributes to the broader discourse on minority language preservation in West Africa and provides practical recommendations for sustainable language maintenance strategies. This case study provides valuable insights for linguists, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to preserve endangered languages while promoting cultural continuity in increasingly globalized societies.
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