A sociolinguistic survey of the Ede language communities of Benin and Togo, Volume 8: Southern Nago language area
Relation Text:
SIL Electronic Survey Reports 2011-009
Files:
Statement of Responsibility:
McHenry, Michael M
Issue Date:
2011
Abstract:
The Southern Nago language of southeastern Benin is part of the larger Ede language
continuum. The Ede languages are spoken in the southern part of West Africa stretching
from western Nigeria across Benin to the eastern part of central Togo. Among the Ede
varieties, two have thus far undergone language development on a larger scale: Yoruba
both in Nigeria and Benin, and Ife in Togo. A survey of the Southern Nago communities
was conducted to assess whether and to what extent existing literature and literacy efforts
in Yoruba could extend to these Nago communities and to determine the nature and extent
of SIL’s possible involvement among these communities.
Through the administration of community and individual interviews, as well as the
elicitation of word and phrase lists, the survey researchers collected data concerning: tested
and reported levels of dialect intercomprehension; language vitality; language attitudes
toward both written and oral forms of Nago and Yoruba; reported proficiency and attitudes
regarding French; and literacy levels.
Overall, the results show high levels of comprehension of Yoruba and language attitudes
toward Yoruba by native Southern Nago speakers appear to be positive. There are,
however, no indications of language shift.
Extent:
32 pages
Subject:
Survey Report
Language Surveys
Country:
Benin
Togo
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Content Language:
Nature of Work:
Domain SubType: