Lexical Standardization in Oromo
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Date
2002-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study is about the lexical standardization of Oromo. It examines the components of
standardization in the light of Haugen’s (1966, 1969) proposal. This proposal classifies the
process of standardization into four components: (1) selection (2) codification (3)
elaboration and (4) implementation. The study begins with the identification of base dialects.
The following four criteria are used to identify the base dialects in Oromo. They are: (1)
written documents (2) the mass media (3) current status of the dialect and (4) attitude of
speakers. The application of the above criteria helps us to propose all dialects of Oromo as
base in the process of standardization.
To choose the dialect base varieties as standard form some criteria are established and
graded. These criteria include (1) number of speakers (2) frequency of occurrence (3)
originality, (4) productivity (5) economy, (6) semantic transparency and acceptance (7)
written documents (textbooks and dictionaries) (8) mass media and (9) current standardizing
tendency. The above criteria are used for choosing the standard forms that can be used
across dialects.
Different methods of lexical elaboration are adopted (Crystal, 1997:15; Bauer, 1983: 11,
234; Mathew, 1991:37). Of these, blending, semantic extension, compounding, derivation
and borrowing are mainly considered to develop the lexical adequacy of Oromo Similarly,
implementation is examined in the light of different activities, and is done by organizations
such as the Oromo Language Standardization Committee, the education sector, the mass
media, etc., as well as by individuals.
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Lexical Standardization