Language and Identity in the Onwa-Oru Uratta Festival-Cynthia A. Onuegwunwoke and Gloria U. Amadi

ABSTRACT: This study explored the aesthetic and functional roles of English and Igbo languages during the Onwa-Oru Uratta festival in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Historically, a celebration honoring the Earth goddess (Ala) for bountiful harvests, the festival now serves as a period of peace, thanksgiving, and communal renewal. Grounded in Saussure's diachronic linguistic theory and Austin's speech act theory, this qualitative ethnographic study uses participant observation, semi structured interviews, and archival materials. Findings indicate that the Uratta dialect (Asụsụ Uratta) is a vital marker of cultural identity, cohesion, and continuity, while English functions as a medium for inclusivity, intercultural communication, and cultural tourism. Code-switching between English and Igbo emerged as a dominant communicative strategy, enhancing cultural expression while also reflecting English's gradual dominance among younger generations. The study concludes that while English increases the festival's visibility, it also poses significant risks of cultural erosion and language endangerment. It recommends a balanced, strategic approach to language use that promotes cultural sustainability, preserves indigenous knowledge, and develops Uratta as a cultural tourism destination.
Keywords: Language and Culture, Igbo Language, English Language, Onwa-Oru Uratta, Cultural Identity, Code-switching, Language Endangerment.