An assessment of Language endangerment in Tanzania: the case of Nyamwezi in Tabora region
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Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Dodoma
Abstract
The study assessed language endangerment in Tanzania, specifically the case of
Nyamwezi in Tabora region. The study aimed at assessing the way Ethnic community
languages are perceived by the native speakers in relation to wide expansion of
powerful and prestigious languages like English and Kiswahili. The study also
assessed the domains (areas) associated with the use of the respective language.
Further, the study aimed at careful investigation of the following objectives, mapping
the domains in which the language is used, evaluating the rate of intergenerational
transmission of the language, and the analysis of structural erosion of the language.
Several people were interviewed from both rural to urban areas including grandparents
aged 65 years and above, parents aged 35 to 64, youth aged 18 to 34 and
children aged 7 to 17 years old. Each sample group consisted of 10 people of
different sex to make a total of 40 respondents. The UNESCO theoretical framework
was used to analyze the level of endangerment from various domains of use, namely;
home, education, religious and tradition ceremonies. The assessment shows that
Nyamwezi is gradually losing power from home where the intergeneration
transmission of language is inactive. This trend leads to the decrease in number of
speakers. The study also reveals that there is the negative attitude towards the
language and other factors like multi ethnicity, and intermarriage. The study further
portrays that the language is still active among the elders of the community.
Language, like any other components of culture is a basic tool for identification; so if
properly used, it will promote the value of a respective speech community
Description
Dissertation (MA Linguistics)
Keywords
Language, Language use, Language endangerment, Language erosion, Native language, Prestige language, Nyamwezi, Tabora, Community, Ethnic
Citation
Dotto, B., (2018). An assessment of Language endangerment in Tanzania: the case of Nyamwezi in Tabora region. Dodoma: The University of Dodoma.