Language Revitalization and Cultural Identity in East African Communities of Chad: An Action Research Inquiry

Language revitalization efforts in East African communities have become a critical component of cultural identity preservation and community cohesion. In Chad, these initiatives are particularly important given the complex linguistic landscape and demographic changes. The study employed a participatory action research approach, involving direct interaction with local communities, collecting qualitative data through interviews and focus groups, and monitoring changes over time. Ethnographic methods were used to capture nuanced understandings of linguistic revitalization processes. Community members reported significant improvements in language proficiency and cultural pride following the implementation of language education programmes. A notable trend observed was an increase in the number of young individuals actively participating in language classes, indicating a growing interest in preserving their heritage languages. The findings underscore the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in fostering linguistic diversity and cultural identity within East African communities in Chad. Based on this research, it is recommended that government bodies allocate more resources to support language education programmes and encourage broader public participation in these efforts. Additionally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation should be implemented to ensure the sustainability of such initiatives. Language Revitalization, Cultural Identity, East Africa, Chad, Community Engagement