Language Maintenance Strategies in the Digital Era: A Literature Review of Linguistic Transformation and Barriers to Language Preservation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36709/pesastra.v3i4.183Keywords:
language maintenance, digital technology, language revitalisation, linguistic transformation, digital language vitalityAbstract
The development of digital technology has transformed language use, including minority, Indigenous, and regional languages, while creating both opportunities and challenges for language maintenance. This study aims to analyse linguistic transformation in digital environments, identify technology-based language-maintenance strategies, and examine barriers affecting sustained language use. It employs a qualitative literature review using scholarly publications and policy documents, primarily published between 2018 and 2026. A supplementary ScienceDirect search returned 213 records, of which 198 were unique, 22 were identified as relevant through title-and-abstract assessment, and 10 were integrated into the thematic synthesis. The findings identify five major strategies: expanding language-use domains, forming virtual communities, digitising linguistic documentation and resources, supporting technology-based language learning, and strengthening language identity and prestige. Major barriers include technological inequality, limited linguistic resources, the gap between digital visibility and language vitality, and programme sustainability. The study concludes that digital technology supports language maintenance when integrated with active language use, community participation, learning, intergenerational transmission, and sustained institutional support.
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