The Dialects of Baraïn (East Chadic)
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Statement of Responsibility:
Lovestrand, Joseph
Series:
Series Issue:
Issue Date:
2011
Publisher:
SIL International
Publisher Place:
Is Part Of Series:
SIL Electronic Working Papers 2011-011
Extent:
Abstract:
The Baraïn language is spoken in the Guera region of Chad (East Chadic, B3; or “Barein” [bva]). This
community of approximately 6,000 speakers divide themselves into four distinct subgroups: Jalkiya,
Giliya, Jalking, and Komiya. While two of the four are geographically and linguistically very close to
one another (Jalkiya and Giliya), the other two speak dialects of the language that differ lexically and
phonologically to such a degree that intercomprehension is not normally possible. In this situation, the
speakers of these subgroups communicate with each another exclusively in Chadian Arabic—the
language of wider communication. Wordlists gathered from each subgroup serve as the basis of this
preliminary examination of the differences in each speech variety. The description covers phonological
segments, tone, syllable structures, distribution of consonants, and lexical differences. One outstanding
phonological feature is that none of the dialects have a bilabial implosive and only one has an alveolar
implosive. Both of these segments were previously assumed to be universal in Chadic languages. This
research was done in the context of a mother-tongue literacy program and draws the conclusion that
two of the Baraïn varieties may be able to share literacy materials (Jalkiya and Giliya). However, the
other two subgroups will undoubtedly need to develop separate materials.
Publication Status:
Published
Country:
Chad
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Entry Number:
42842