THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN SHAPING CULTURAL IDENTITY

Abstract

Language is fundamentally important in defining cultural identity, acting as both a means of communication and a carrier of cultural values, beliefs, and customs. Through language, people forge connections to their ancestry, their communities, and a shared past, cultivating a feeling of belonging and ensuring continuity between generations. This piece investigates the complex link between language and cultural identity, exploring how language molds perspectives, solidifies societal expectations, and shapes both individual and collective understandings of self. The significance of language in upholding cultural diversity is emphasized, particularly how initiatives to revive endangered languages help sustain vulnerable cultures. Moreover, the effect of globalization and language absorption on cultural identity is carefully considered, weighing the potential benefits against the difficulties presented by the prevalence of worldwide languages. Examining these factors, the article stresses the vital need to protect cultural identity within our increasingly globalized world.