Perspectives on language revitalization among the Samia community of Busia, Uganda. The case of Bugundhira village, Dabani sub-county Busia district.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Busitema University
Abstract
Language revitalization refers to efforts to revive a language that is on the verge of extinction or already dormant. Language revitalization plays a crucial role in the preservation of indigenous cultures and identities. This study was about language revitalization and my interest was among the Samia tribe in Busia, Uganda and their efforts to maintain and revitalize their language. The Samia tribe is an ethnic minority residing in the Busia district of Uganda, facing the risk of language shift and the erosion of their cultural heritage. The Samia language belongs to the Bantu family and has traditionally been the primary means of communication within the tribe. However, with the increasing influence of globalization, urbanization, and the dominance of major languages such as English and Swahili, younger generations have been gradually shifting away from their native language. This study examines the various factors contributing to language shift among the Samia tribe. It explores how factors like education, media, migration, and economic opportunities impact language use and preference within the community. Furthermore, it investigates the consequences of language loss on cultural identity, societal cohesion, and intergenerational communication. The study also highlights the initiatives undertaken by the Samia tribe and relevant stakeholders to revitalize the Samia language. Efforts such as language promotion campaigns, the establishment of language immersion programs in schools, the creation of community language spaces, and the documentation of traditional knowledge and practices are discussed. The study assesses the effectiveness of these revitalization efforts, evaluating their impact on language maintenance and the empowerment of the Samia community. It also discusses the challenges faced by the community in their revitalization journey, including limited resources, language standardization issues, and the need for intergenerational transmission of the language. It sheds light on the importance of preserving indigenous languages, promoting cultural diversity, and empowering minority communities to safeguard their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Nandera, D. (2024). Perspectives on language revitalization among the Samia community of Busia, Uganda. The case of Bugundhira village, Dabani sub-county Busia district. [Undergraduate, Research report]. Busitema University.