stolen language theory

Stolen Language Theory suggests that when colonizers or dominant groups impose their language on others, they often forcibly replace or suppress indigenous languages. This process can lead to cultural loss, where communities lose their traditional ways of expressing identity, history, and knowledge. Essentially, it views language as a form of cultural power, and when this power is taken or suppressed, it can diminish a community’s cultural richness and autonomy. The theory highlights how language theft is not just about words, but about the broader impact on cultural heritage and self-determination.