M.A. Theses in Linguistics at the University of North Dakota (Abstracts)

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Corbett, Kerry Mae 2012
Forecasting the vitality of the Fur language: A study in language use patterns and attitudes in Darfur

The Fur language of Darfur, Sudan has been undergoing a decades-long language shift to
the more dominant and prestigious Arabic spoken throughout the country. However, a
decade of conflict in Darfur has brought greater awareness of ethnic identity and
disrupted the previously-documented language shift. Using questionnaires, this study
explores the current language use patterns and attitudes of 286 individuals in two towns
and four Internally Displaced People camps in Darfur. It uses interviews to further
explore language attitudes. The research shows that demographic variables such as
gender, age, and level of education affect language use and attitudes and confirms that
conflict has played a role in reversing language shift. Based on the theory that motivation
is the greatest indicator of ethnolinguistic vitality, the findings of this research predict
that the Fur people will maintain their language in the future as part of their ethnic
identity.

This thesis is available from the University of North Dakota library.