ASSESSING LANGUAGE VITALITY AND ENDANGERMENT OF TERA (NYIMATLI) LANGUAGE

Abstract

This research is an attempt to investigate assessing language vitality and language endangerment of Tera (Nyimatli)language with the aim of finding out the level of its endangerment. The researchers employed mixed approach that involves observing variables in their natural environments in order to arrive at the research objectives which at the same time uses observation and unstructured interview, group discussion and participation. The research adopts the UNESCO (2003) frame work as it model of approach. As part of its findings the study discovered that the factors that cause language endangerment are: social factors, economic factors, demographic factors, educational factors and globalization. More so, the research also confirmed that Tera (Nyimatli) language is under serious threat in the communities of Tera (Nyimatli), like Deba,, Kwadon, Lano, Kalshingi and Zambuk Towns, and also discovered that Tera language is more vibrant in villages were most of Tera people live. Which include: lubo, Difa, kinafa, Gwani, Wade ,Shinga and many more villages of in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State. As part of it the research discovered a lot of things in line with the language endangerment which include a case of language shift in Tera language, but this happens in the cities of Tera. In this case only the native speakers were found to have in- build mastery of the language in the cities. As such the native speakers of Tera in the cities are very much speakers of Hausa language. But in villages, the native speakers have in-build mastery of the language, because there is a rule of using the language at home, here there is no room of communication with any language a part from Terai at home, it is a rule born system The study makes an attempt of assessing the level of endangerment on Tera language with references to UNESCO (2003) frame work.