CULTURAL DYNAMICS AND LANGUAGE USE: A STUDY OF CHRISTIANITY IN IDOMA LAND

ABSTRACT This study discusses cultural dynamics and use language: the study of Christianity in Idoma land. The aim of the study is to examine the cultural dynamics and language use in the context of Christianity among the Idoma people and language.The study uses the language contact theory of Uriel Weinreich.The study uses both primary and secondary sources and research instruments such as oral interview,participant observation, Methodist church archives and documentations. The study adopts the qualitative research design. The findings reveal that Christianity replaced traditional Idoma religious terms with Christian ones, and the use of English in worship reduced the role of Idoma language in religious practices. The finding further shows that the traditional Idoma religious expressions were adapted within Christian worship, but many were replaced, with Idoma being used mainly for hymns and prayers.The findings add that the dominance of English in religious practices and education has weakened the use of Idoma, contributing to the erosion of its cultural significance.The findings also submit that the challenges to preserving Idoma language and culture include the marginalization of Idoma in religious contexts, the influence of Western education and Christianity on younger generations, and limited formal education in the language. The study concludes that the arrival of Christianity in Idoma land has had a profound impact on both the language and culture of the Idoma people. The study recommends that schools should include Idoma language courses in their curriculum to help younger generations maintain proficiency in the language.