Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research Volume 7, Issue 4, 2020, pp. 172-183 Available online at www.jallr.com ISSN: 2376-760X * Correspondence: Chinweude Nwakaego Ugochukwu, Email: ugochukwuchinweude ymail.com © 2020 Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research From Linguistic Repression to Revitalization: The Igbo Language Case Chinweude Nwakaego Ugochukwu * Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria Abstract Language endangerment is presently one of the humanity’s greatest cultural challenges, posing enormous scientific and humanist problems. Many indigenous languages have become endangered due to linguistic repression caused by colonization, in which the original language is replaced by that of the colonist. It is sad to note that after a long time of gaining independence from the colonial masters, most indigenous languages are still being repressed by the owners of the language themselves. An increasing number of communities are giving up their language by their own choice. Many believe that their children will not acquire a professional qualification if they teach them tribal languages. This paper examines the level of post-colonial repression bedeviling indigenous languages using Igbo language as case study. The work suggests practical steps to the revitalization of the Igbo language. The paper also calls for more spirited efforts in saving the Igbo language not only as a special gift from God, but most importantly as part of our country’s natural resources which could be consumed locally or exported to other countries. Keywords: Colonization, Indigenous Language Repression, Igbo Language Case, Revitalization INTRODUCTION Many linguists predict that at least half of world’s 6,000 or so languages will be dead or dying by the year 2050, languages are becoming extinct at twice rate of endangered mammals and four times the rate of endangered birds. If this continues, the world of the future could be dominated by a dozen or fewer languages (Ostler 2000). Languages more often die than the people who speak them (Fischer 1999). The process of language extinction begins with intergenerational transmission stops and when mother tongues are undermined to such an extent that parents and grandparents feel ashamed to speak. A language may be endangered because there are fewer and fewer people who claim that language as their own and therefore neither use it nor pass it on to their children. It may also or alternatively, be endangered because it is being used for fewer and fewer daily activities and so loses the characteristically close association of the language with particular social and communicative functions. Many indigenous languages have become endangered because of language deaths or linguicide caused by colonization, in which the original language is replaced by that of the colonists (Colls, 2013).