Indigenous language films as catalysts for African language documentation and preservation: A critical discourse analysis of selected Igbo films

The indigenous language of the African people is the vehicle that conveys their culture and heritage. There is a need for documentation and preservation. However, literature has shown that there has been a sharp shift from this privilege into an alarming danger of extinction. This study views indigenous language films as invaluable repositories of African cultural heritage and tradition. The study, therefore, seeks to examine the role of indigenous language films as catalysts in documenting and preserving African languages for community empowerment and future reference. The study will be anchored on Wodak’s (1990) approach to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). The study will also adopt the content analysis method in the reading and analysis of two Nollywood films: Onyeozi (the messenger) directed by Obi Omelonye, and Afamefuna (ANwaBoi Story), directed by Kayode Kasum. The study argues that indigenous language films play transformative roles in preserving linguistic diversity and promoting cultural continuity. It also serves as a reorientation and awareness of the place of indigenous language films in promoting understanding of dominant social challenges, as well as the uniqueness embedded in cultural diversity.