Bussa language

Categories: Afro-Asiatic language stubs | Languages of Ethiopia | East Cushitic languages

Bussa (or Muusiye) is a Lowland East Cushitic language spoken in the Dirashe region in the South West of Ethiopia. The people themselves, numbering 6,624 according to the 1998 census, call their language Mossittaata. Two varieties can be distinguished: North and West Bussa.

Bussa is highly influenced by surrounding Cushitic and Omotic languages and should be considered endangered according to Gurmu (2005). Speakers of the North Bussa variety are shifting to Oromo, Kidole (Diraytata) or Amharic, whereas speakers of the West Bussa variety are shifting to the Omotic languages Zargulla, Zayse and Gamo. Important factors for the ongoing language shift include intermarriage with other ethnic groups and heavy contact with neighbouring people.

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See also

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References

  • Gurmu, Alemayehu [2005] 'Some Notes on Sociolinguistic Aspects of Bussa' (unpublished paper presented at International Conference on Endangered Ethiopian Languages, Addis Ababa 27-30 April 2005)
  • Wedekind, Klaus (ed.) (2002) 'Sociolinguistic survey report of the languages of the Gawwada (Dullay), Diraasha (Gidole), Muusiye (Bussa) areas.' SIL Electronic Survey Reports 2002-065.
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External link


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