Assessing Kibena (G 63) Endangerment Basing On Intergenerational Language Transmission Parameter

ABSTRACT

This work aimed at assessing Kibena endangerment basing on intergenerational language transmission parameter. The researcher worked on three objectives which were; domains of its use, the role of intermarriages and speakers‟ attitudes as a motivating factor behind transmitting it to younger generations. He carried out this study in Uwemba, Mtwango and Kidugala villages in Njombe and Wanging‟ombe districts in Southern Highlands of Tanzania. In the study, the researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods. He used questionnaires to collect quantitative data. It is through this method where data were gathered and analyzed quantitatively to get percentages, frequencies (recurring numbers) and tables which reflected the endangerment status of Kibena basing on the three variables investigated. The researcher also used interviews and participant observation (qualitative methods) to gather information which supplemented those collected through questionnaires. The study revealed that Kibena is on grade two (2) of endangerment when focusing on domains of its use, meaning that it has limited domains of use. Kibena is also on stage 3 of endangerment that is it is definitively endangered when considering the role of intermarried speakers on transmitting it to younger generations. Basing on its speakers‟ attitudes it is on grade 3 of endangerment, signifying that many of Kibena members support its maintenance but few of them are indifferent and support its loss. The general conclusion considering the interplay of the assessment of all three objectives by rating on the LVEAG UNESCO (2003) factor number one, Kibena is definitively endangered. This means that its intergenerational transmission is delinked, since the language is used mostly by parental generations and upwards. This work has greatly contributed to reveal the endangerment status of the language to date. This situation alerts Kibena speakers and other stake holders to take deliberate measures to rescue it from further endangerment.