The Role of Language Preservation in Cultural Continuity

Abstract

This study examined the role of language preservation in sustaining cultural continuity through a mixed-methods experimental design that integrated quantitative analysis with ethnographic inquiry. Data were collected from 450 participants across three regions, supported by interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Quantitative findings revealed a marked generational decline in native language use and intergenerational transmission, with younger cohorts showing significantly lower Language Vitality Index (LVI) scores. Regression models confirmed that language vitality and policy support were strong predictors of cultural continuity, while correlation analysis demonstrated robust associations between native language use, belonging indices, and continuity scores. Longitudinal data further indicated that native language practices have steadily declined over two decades, although hybridized linguistic forms have emerged as adaptive strategies.

Qualitative insights enriched these patterns, showing that rituals, festivals, and symbolic practices conducted in native languages continue to serve as vital spaces for affirming identity and belonging. Media exposure was found to play a supportive but insufficient role, with community-driven initiatives and policy frameworks proving far more effective in sustaining continuity. Regional comparisons highlighted that areas with stronger policy protections and active cultural programming displayed higher continuity scores, whereas urbanized regions reflected hybridized but more fragile language practices. Collectively, these findings establish that language preservation is not only a cultural practice but also an existential necessity for intergenerational identity, collective memory, and resilience. The study concludes that preserving and revitalizing linguistic heritage requires a combination of policy recognition, technological innovation, and community-led strategies to safeguard cultural continuity in an era of globalization.