This paper aims at providing a description of the sociolinguistic situation of South Sudan. It focuses on the ethno-linguistic composition of the country. It attempts at answering these questions: what are the languages spoken in each one of the South Sudanese states and what are the demographic weights of their speakers; and what are the languages of wider communication (LWC)? The paper presents information on the ethnic groups and the languages spoken in each one of the three main areas of South Sudan (Greater Bahr el Ghazal, Greater Upper Nile, and Greater Equatoria). The status and functions of South Sudanese and immigrant languages in each one of the ten South Sudanese states is described. Thus, the situation of South Sudanese indigenous languages can be accounted for and the sociolinguistic profile of South Sudan is also presented. Qualitative method is the method adopted in the present study. Interview and observation are the main tools of data collection. A number of interviews are administered to more than thirty people. It is found that English has a high status which may affect the situation of South Sudanese local languages in the long run. The study recommends that local languages should be developed and promoted; however, the government needs to be keen to avoid competition over few resources.
تاريخ النشر
04/06/2015
الناشر
Language and Identity in the Light of Current Variables, vol. 2, Pro. Dr. Mohamed Ali Noufal (edit)
سوسن عبد العزيز محمد ناشد | Sawsan Abdel Aziz Mohammed Nashid | 1797