Linguistic Imperialism as a Tool in Cultural Hegemony: Language Decline and Revitalization of Indigenous Communities in Canada

Abstract

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of linguistic imperialism and its relationship to cultural hegemony, with a specific focus on Indigenous communities in Canada. Linguistic imperialism is defined as the suppression and marginalization of other languages by a dominant language, often stemming from historical colonization, which results in the imposition of cultural hegemony on diverse cultural groups. To analyze this noteworthy phenomenon, Edward Said's theory of Orientalism is applied in the paper. Furthermore, the study not only emphasizes the negative impact of linguistic domination but also proposes various methods with the aim of reversing language shift and fostering cultural and linguistic vitality. By analyzing the case of the Inuit community in Canada and introducing methods such as language revitalization programs, this paper presents strategies to counter the influence of linguistic imperialism, aiming to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive environment so as to safeguard linguistic and cultural diversity.