A sociolinguistic survey of the Biali language area
Relation Text:
SIL Electronic Survey Reports 2011-011
Files:
Statement of Responsibility:
Henson, Bonnie J. and Barbara Tompkins
Issue Date:
2011
Abstract:
This paper presents a sociolinguistic survey conducted in the Biali language communities
(Gur language family) of Benin to collect data on the language and its dialects and on Biali
development efforts, and to identify a potential reference dialect for Biali.
After a general overview of the taxonomic and geographic language situation, survey
interview results are presented on the dialects within Biali. Also, information by local leaders
is given on the level of literacy in the region, languages used in religious domains and on the
migration history of the Bialaba people.
The results suggest that the Biali dialect spoken in and around the town of Gouandé is the
dialect best understood by the rest of the Biali language community. It also appears that Biali
is undergoing an informal standardization process, with the young people speaking more like
each other across dialectical boundaries than like their parents. Attitudes toward this process
are positive.
Extent:
20 pages
Subject:
Survey Report
Language Surveys
Country:
Benin
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Content Language:
Nature of Work:
Domain SubType: