Bilingualism and Language Use in Ha Wassa Zurya Woreda (Shaman A): A Sociolinguistic Study
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Date
2011-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The primary purpose of the study was to investigate and describe the pattern of bilingualism and
language use of the diverse conununity in Hawassa Zurya Woreda (HZW). To conduct the study,
250 participants were involved. 239 research participants were selected randomly; and the
remaining 12 were selected purposely. The main data gathering instruments was questiOlmaire.
Moreover, focus group discussion (FGD), interview, and observation were used as
supplementary instrwnents. The required data were analyzed in both qualitative and quantitative
research methods. In quantitative research method frequency counts and percentages were
employed. Data from the open ended questions, interview, and an FGD were analyzed
qualitati vely.
The results obtained show that various socioeconomic and political factors attributed to the
societal multilingualism of HZW. Different mother- tongue (MT) speakers are bilingual in
Amharic to a greater extent and in Sidaarnuafoo to a certain extent. On the other hand, Amharic
MT speakers are bilingual in Sidaamuafoo to a greater and Afan- Oromo to a lesser degree.
Amharic is more frequ ently the MT of children ·than other languages and rather than to any other
age groups. Sidaamuafoo is more frequently the second language (SL) of the young and of
children. There is a greater tendency to shift from Afan-Oromo, Hadiyyisa, Kambatisata, and
Sidaamuafoo to Amharic.
Languages such as Sidaarnuafoo, Amharic, Wolaytato, Karnbatisata, Afan- Oromo, Hadiyyisa,
and English are used to a different extent. Amharic is more frequently used across the different
domains. These domains are: family, neighborhood, recreational areas, market, worshiping place,
health center, administration, school, and idir meetings. Amharic is also the major language of
inter group communication. Sidaarnuafoo is the next largely used language in the study area.
Sidaamuafoo and Afan- Oromo are the predominant languages of reconciliation ceremony.
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Keywords
Language Use in Ha Wassa Zurya Woreda