Translation and the revitalization of the Igbo language: Cultural preservation and digital sustainability in Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid decline of indigenous languages has become a major concern among linguists, translators, and cultural scholars across the world. In Nigeria, the Igbo language faces increasing threats arising from globalization, urbanization, western education, digital communication patterns, and excessive preference for English language usage among younger generations. This study examined translation and the revitalization of the Igbo language with emphasis on cultural preservation and digital sustainability in Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative documentary research design anchored on the Language Maintenance and Revitalization Theory. Data were obtained from translated literary texts, digital media contents, educational materials, religious publications, online language platforms, policy documents, and scholarly literature published between 2018 and 2026. Findings revealed that translation contributes significantly to preserving Igbo cultural heritage through folktales, proverbs, oral narratives, poetry, and indigenous knowledge systems. The study further established that digital platforms such as BBC News Igbo, mobile applications, social media educational pages, and artificial intelligence translation technologies improve the visibility, accessibility, and modernization of the Igbo language. Educational and religious translations were also found to strengthen mother-tongue learning, literacy development, and intergenerational language transmission. Nevertheless, challenges such as inadequate governmental support, shortage of trained translators, poor indigenous language policies, insufficient technological infrastructure, and societal preference for English continue to hinder effective language revitalization efforts. The study concluded that translation remains an important socio-cultural and technological strategy for preserving indigenous identity and ensuring the digital sustainability of the Igbo language in contemporary Nigerian society.