* Loss of cultural identity: He believes that language is not just a tool of communication but a repository of culture, history, and thought. When a people are forced to abandon their native tongue, they lose access to this collective knowledge and are forced to view the world through the lens of the dominant language. This can lead to a sense of alienation from their own culture and history.
* Cognitive alienation: Ngugi argues that language shapes thought and perception. By adopting a foreign language, individuals are essentially adopting a foreign way of thinking, which can undermine their indigenous worldview. This can lead to a sense of intellectual and cultural dispossession.
* Political marginalization: The dominance of a foreign language can serve as a tool of oppression, silencing indigenous voices and hindering their ability to participate fully in political and social life. He sees the imposition of a language as a form of cultural imperialism.
* Psychological impact: Being forced to learn a language that is not your own can be a deeply personal and psychological experience. Ngugi speaks of the feeling of being "un-homed" and the sense of loss that comes with being forced to abandon your native tongue.
Ngugi wa Thiong'o strongly advocates for the revitalization and preservation of indigenous languages. He believes that reclaiming their languages is crucial for indigenous peoples to reclaim their agency, their identity, and their cultural heritage.
His work offers a powerful critique of the linguistic imperialism of colonialism and its continuing impact on indigenous communities worldwide.