SIL International Publications

A Sociolinguistic Profile of Kolami Dialects

Relation Text: 
SIL Electronic Survey Reports 2015-014
Statement of Responsibility: 
Blair, Frank
Compilers: 
Issue Date: 
2017
Abstract: 

This survey was undertaken over a six-month period in late 1986 and early 1987 in five districts of India: four in eastern Maharashtra—Yavatmal, Wardha, Nanded, and Chandrapur District—and one, Adilabad District, in what was at the time western Andhra Pradesh. The survey had three main goals: 1) determine dialect areas, 2) assess the level of bilingualism, and 3) determine language use and attitudes.

On the basis of wordlist comparisons, the survey established that there are at least two distinct dialects of Kolami: Eastern (or Southeastern) Kolami and Western (or Northwestern) Kolami. Dialect intelligibility testing confirmed these results. The wordlist comparisons further suggested the possibility of a third, Central, dialect.

Using recorded text tests, the survey assessed the level of bilingualism among the Kolavar in the state languages of Marathi and Telegu. The results showed that most Kolavar are not sufficiently bilingual, with the exception of one community in Yavatmal District. As a result, literacy work would need to be conducted in the Kolam varieties. Finally, a questionnaire was administered to determine language use and language attitudes. It found that Kolami is being used widely and people have a positive attitude towards their language.

In terms of language development, the survey recommends that separate projects are necessary for the Eastern and Western Kolami dialects. Speakers of Central Kolami may be able to use Western Kolami materials.

[This survey report written some time ago deserves to be made available even at this late date. Conditions were such that it was not published when originally written. The reader is cautioned that more recent research may be available. Historical data is quite valuable as it provides a basis for a longitudinal analysis and helps us understand both the trajectory and pace of change as compared with more recent studies.—Editor]

Editor’s note: Western Andhra Pradesh became a separate state in June 2014, known as Telangana. References to Andhra Pradesh in this report reflect the administrative divisions at the time of the survey in 1986–1987.

Extent: 
35 pages
Table of Contents: 
List of tables -- Preface -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Goals -- 3 Summary of findings -- 4 Dialect areas -- 5 Bilingualism -- 6 Language use and language attitudes -- 7 Recommendations -- Appendix A: Demographic questionaire -- Appendix B: Bilingualism questionnaire -- Appendix C: Language use and language attitude questionnaire -- References
Subject: 
Survey Report
Language Surveys
Country: 
India
Content Language: 
Nature of Work: 
Domain SubType: