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LiVanuma Linguistic Vitality: A Sociolinguistic Documentation Project | 11th May, 2023

This seminar addresses the issue of language endangerment in Africa, specifically looking LiVanuma, a highly endangered Bantu language spoken in the densely multilingual context of Bundibugyo, Western Uganda. In early 2023, we investigated the linguistic vitality of LiVanuma using a sociolinguistic documentation approach, which assesses the language attitudes and practices of a community and the sociolinguistic context in which it exists, rather than seeking to directly document the language itself (Childs et al. 2014). We aimed to uncover who is speaking LiVanuma, the domains in which it is used, and the attitudes that they hold towards it and other languages. We conducted interviews with 35 members of the BaVanuma community from across the Bundibugyo, with participants reflecting a range of ages, education levels, occupations, and genders. Our initial results paint a bittersweet picture for the LiVanuma language as, while attitudes towards the language were overwhelmingly positive, its domains of use are restricted to private (as opposed to public/educational/political) settings and intergenerational transmission is severely limited, meaning that extinction of the language is likely near if steps are not taken. One unexpected outcome was the enthusiasm of the community for future research on their language, culture, and history, specifically their desire for written materials in LiVanuma. We therefore hope that this research serves as a platform for future projects that have a more explicitly documentary and revitalising focus.


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
IFRA Nairobi (May 3, 2023). LiVanuma Linguistic Vitality: A Sociolinguistic Documentation Project | 11th May, 2023. IFRA Nairobi. Retrieved March 27, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/pw3l