The Igbo Language in Christian Religious Worship: A Case Study of Anglican Churches in Oyo State, South West Nigeria

This research examines the use of the Igbo language in Christian religious worship among Igbo-speaking Anglican congregations in Ibadan, Oyo State, South West Nigeria. Religious institutions have historically served as significant spaces of language maintenance for minority ethnic communities within diasporic settings. With over two million Igbo speakers estimated to reside in Oyo State, churches operating primarily in Igbo offer a compelling case study of language vitality in worship contexts. The study employs a qualitative design, drawing on non-participant observation of twelve Sunday worship services, interviews with eight parish clergy and thirty-two congregation members, and analysis of hymn books and liturgical materials printed in Igbo. Findings indicate that Igbo-medium worship services sustain a high level of liturgical vocabulary preservation and provide an intergenerational space where elders transmit religious and cultural Igbo to second-generation diaspora children. Clergy play a pivotal role as language brokers, translating sermons and adapting English liturgical frameworks into culturally resonant Igbo equivalents. The study also documents the growing use of Igbo praise songs composed locally as alternatives to translated Anglican hymns. Recommendations are made to the Anglican Church of Nigeria to invest in Igbo liturgical resource development for diaspora congregations. Keywords: Igbo language, religious worship, Anglican Church, diaspora, language maintenance.