THE ROLE OF SOCIOLINGUISTICS IN THE PRESERVATION OF REGIONAL LANGUAGES IN THE ERA OF GLOBALIZATION
Keywords:
Sociolinguistics, Language Preservation, Globalization, Language Change, Language Endangerment, Language Teaching, Cultural Identity, Bilingual Education, Language Policy, Digital Archives, Language Attitudes, Social Networks, Case Studies, Hybrid Languages, Language Dominance, Language Shift.Abstract
Local languages reflect a society’s cultural identity and diverse traditions, but globalization increasingly threatens their survival through the dominance of international languages and widespread social change. This article explores how sociolinguistics can bolster the preservation of regional languages by investigating the key factors underlying language shift and proposing relevant, practical remedies. It highlights the importance of community involvement and intergenerational language transmission as central strategies, while also emphasizing the value of incorporating regional languages into formal education, media, and public life. By integrating sociolinguistic methods, including the analysis of language attitudes, policy development, and community-based initiatives, this study underscores the collective responsibility of governments, educators, and local communities in sustaining linguistic diversity. The findings illustrate that a collaborative and consistent approach can cultivate resilience among marginalized languages, thus ensuring the continued vitality of the cultural heritage they embody.
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