Abstract
This study investigates the patterns of self-assertiveness by using Arabic and other native languages among the ethnic groups characterised by ethnolinguistic vitality in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur State, and the satellite internally displaced persons’ camps. The study also looks into how these communities perceived the role their native languages could play in the construction of their ethnic identities. In addition, factors influencing the construction of ethnic identities were investigated. Data pertaining to language perceptions on identity, and the role of conflict in the process of identity construction were collected. To this end, four tools were employed to collect the data: a thirteen-item questionnaire administered to 711 respondents; 12 focus group discussions held with 112 participants; in-depth interviews with 20 persons; and participant observations. The study came to a number of conclusions, the most important of which were: (a) the communities investigated were found to have revitalised their native languages by taking pride in them in different domains; (b) there was a perceived aversion towards Arabic across the groups studied; (c) there was a conscious revitalisation of ethnolinguistic identities; and (d) the current conflict has played an important role in the emergence of revitalised ethnolinguistic identities.
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©2015 by De Gruyter Mouton
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Introduction
- Language conflict research: a state of the art
- Equal status, but unequal perceptions: language conflict in the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne
- Language conflict in Brussels: political mind-set versus linguistic practice
- Changements urbains et conflits sociolinguistiques: l’impact de la gentrification sur le français de Marseille
- Re-thinking language conflict: challenges and options
- Book Review
- Where were you, our friends on the inside? Language and contestation in Northern Ireland
- Small Languages and Small Language Communities 80
- Language and identity in the context of conflict: the case of ethnolinguistic communities in South Darfur State
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Introduction
- Language conflict research: a state of the art
- Equal status, but unequal perceptions: language conflict in the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne
- Language conflict in Brussels: political mind-set versus linguistic practice
- Changements urbains et conflits sociolinguistiques: l’impact de la gentrification sur le français de Marseille
- Re-thinking language conflict: challenges and options
- Book Review
- Where were you, our friends on the inside? Language and contestation in Northern Ireland
- Small Languages and Small Language Communities 80
- Language and identity in the context of conflict: the case of ethnolinguistic communities in South Darfur State