An Assessment Of Language Endangerment In Tanzania: The Case Of Nyamwezi In Tabora Region

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.