Field and river

20th International Conference of Ethiopian Studies (ICES20)
Mekelle University, Ethiopia

"Regional and Global Ethiopia - Interconnections and Identities"
1-5 October, 2018

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ENDANGERMENT OF THE HOZO LANGUAGE [Abstract ID: 0802-04]

Klaus-Christian KÜSPERT, NMS Ethiopia
Sophie KÜSPERT-RAKOTONDRAINY, NMS Ethiopia

This presentation focusses on language endangerment of one of the “Mao languages” in Western Ethiopia. The ethnic, linguistic and social situation in the western part of Oromia Regional State is complicated and little research has been done. The Oromo language is the only official and clearly dominating language in the area, and it serves as a lingua franca, whilst none of the minority languages are officially recognised. This research aims to describe the level of endangerment of one of the Mao languages – often referred to as Hozo. This language has an estimated number of less than 6000 speakers, all of them living in ethnically mixed communities. None of the Mao languages in the area has a written script and they are solely used for private, oral communication; the transition to the younger generation seems uncertain. Thus, the UNESCO “Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger” classifies Hozo as definitely endangered. However, no thorough assessment of this language is yet carried out. Our assessment of endangerment uses the UNESCO criteria on Language vitality and endangerment that outlines nine factors for determining language vitality. These factors evaluate, amongst others, in which domains and by which groups the language is used, which materials exist in the language, which media and institutions use the language and the attitude of the speakers towards the language. Methods used are surveys done in all major settlements, documentation of the number of speakers and inter-relation with other languages, and qualitative interviews with speakers from different areas and of different ages and with a varied level of education and social positions. This research draws an accurate picture of the status of the Hozo language and thereby helps clarifying more about underlying causes of speech loss and language change, such as cultural, political and economic marginalization. The findings may help to develop appropriate measures for the preservation or revival of endangered languages in general.