Guraferdan Sheko: linguistic treasures of a forgotten dialect

The Endangered Language Documentation Programme (ELDP) provides grants worldwide for the documentation of endangered languages and knowledge. Grantees create audiovisual collections with transcription and translations of endangered languages and practices. These collections are preserved and made freely available through the Endangered Languages Archive (ELAR).

The variety of Sheko spoken by an estimated nine thousand people in Guraferda, SW-Ethiopia, differs drastically from the main variety. However, an influx of settlers with a dominant language and culture accelerates changes in language use. This project aims to document the socio-linguistic context of Guraferdan Sheko and its endangered genres of speech. On the basis of the documentation, I will also investigate clause type marking, a typologically salient aspect of Omotic languages. Primary investigator: Anne-Christie Hellenthal

Project Details


Location: Ethiopia, Eastern Africa, Africa Organiser(s): Endangered Languages Documentation Programme Project partner(s): Leiden University Funder(s): Arcadia Funding received: £5,496.00 Commencement Date: 01/2009 Project Status: Completed
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