|Articles||E-Materials||English|
The Role of Hausa in the Endangerment of Fulfulde: A Case Study of Tsaure Fulani of Kano State
By
Muhammad
Badamasi TSAURE
Department
of Educational Foundations
Usmanu
Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
GSM
08067470407
Email: 76muhammadtsaure@gmail.Com
Abu-Ubaida SANI
Department of Educational Foundations
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
Phone No. 08133529736
Email Adress: abuubaidasani5@gmail.com
Being a paper
presented at the 29th Annual Conference of Linguistic Association of
Nigeria (LAN) on Language and Linguistic Diversity: Documentation and
Revitalization of Minority Languages for Sustainable Development, at the
University of Jos, Plateau State, from 5th to 9th
December, 2016
Abstract
Since time immemorial,
majority languages have been responsible for the endangerment of minority
languages. This phenomenon occurs whenever two or more speakers of different
languages (mostly
from major and minor language respectively) come into contact. Usually, the outcome of this contact gives rise to several linguistic consequences. Thus, borrowing, interference, colloguing, code mixing, code switching and relexicalization, which the result brings about language death (endangerment). The endangerment of Fulfulde language spoken by the Fulani situated in the outskirts of Tsaure town of Kano state is apparent. These wrought from the incessant contact of both speakers of the two languages i.e. Hausa and Fulfulde. It is very pathetic that young Fulani child could not speak Fulfulde for three minutes without switching to Hausa completely. This paper casts a vivid glance at the role of Hausa language in the endangerment of Fulfulde language as one of the minority languages in Northern Nigeria. The area of the study chosen is divided into two linguistic units, namely Hausa (having the population of about 70%) and Fulfulde (with 30% speakers) respectively. It finally concludes with carrot and stick measures to be taken in reviving and revitalizing Fulfulde language in Tsaure town area of Kano state.
from major and minor language respectively) come into contact. Usually, the outcome of this contact gives rise to several linguistic consequences. Thus, borrowing, interference, colloguing, code mixing, code switching and relexicalization, which the result brings about language death (endangerment). The endangerment of Fulfulde language spoken by the Fulani situated in the outskirts of Tsaure town of Kano state is apparent. These wrought from the incessant contact of both speakers of the two languages i.e. Hausa and Fulfulde. It is very pathetic that young Fulani child could not speak Fulfulde for three minutes without switching to Hausa completely. This paper casts a vivid glance at the role of Hausa language in the endangerment of Fulfulde language as one of the minority languages in Northern Nigeria. The area of the study chosen is divided into two linguistic units, namely Hausa (having the population of about 70%) and Fulfulde (with 30% speakers) respectively. It finally concludes with carrot and stick measures to be taken in reviving and revitalizing Fulfulde language in Tsaure town area of Kano state.
