Abstract

Language and culture are closely interconnected aspects of human society. Language serves not only as a means of communication but also as a vehicle through which culture, traditions, beliefs, and values are transmitted from one generation to another. This paper examines the relationship between language and culture among the Tiv people of Benue State, Nigeria, with particular attention to the role of the Tiv language in preserving Tiv cultural heritage. The study discusses how proverbs, greetings, folktales, songs, naming systems, and oral traditions reflect the worldview and identity of the Tiv people. The paper also highlights the challenges confronting the Tiv language, including the growing influence of English language, urbanization, and declining language use among younger generations. The study concludes that the preservation of the Tiv language is essential for sustaining Tiv cultural identity and recommends deliberate efforts toward language promotion and cultural education. The study adopts Cultural Linguistics Theory as its analytical framework.

Keywords: Language, Culture, Tiv Language, Cultural Heritage, Indigenous Language, Tiv People

How to cite

Ashina Cynthia Udende (2026). Language and Culture: The Role of Tiv Language in Preserving Tiv Cultural Heritage. NATELCEP Journal of Languages and Communication Studies (NJLCS), 19(1), 43–50. https://www.natelcep.org/journal/articles/6aa86d9c3df4b80f10369bcc