Los modismos como medio para fortalecer la identidad cultural manabita.

Abstract

This study, entitled "Idioms as a Means to Strengthen Manabi Cultural Identity in Eighth-Year Basic Education Students," addresses the linguistic phenomenon of idioms as representative expressions of the intangible cultural heritage of the Manabí region. Therefore, the problem identified lay in the gradual loss of these expressions due to factors such as the influence of foreign cultures, the predominance of digital media, and the lack of systematic teaching in the school environment. Consequently, the general objective was to promote the use of Manabí idioms as a pedagogical tool to strengthen regional cultural identity. The research was carried out at the "Natividad Delgado de Alfaro" Educational Unit, located in Montecristi, Manabí, and was applied to a purposive sample of 37 eighth-year Basic Education students. To develop the study, a mixed methodology was adopted, combining inductive, deductive, and analytical methods. These methods were developed using techniques such as structured surveys and semi-structured interviews. The main findings showed that 95% of participants recognized idioms as part of their cultural expression, while the remaining 74% perceived the disappearance of idioms as a threat to Manabí's cultural identity. Therefore, it is concluded that the incorporation of idioms into the school curriculum, through teaching strategies such as workshops, contextualized materials, and intergenerational activities, is essential to safeguard linguistic richness and strengthen the sense of belonging among new generations in the face of advancing cultural homogenization.