The Role of Language In Uniting Two Different Ethnic Groups: A Case Of Tumbuka Language In Chasefu District, Eastern Province Of Zambia

Abstract

The study investigated the role of Tumbuka language in uniting two ethnic groups of different origins - the actual Tumbukas and Tumbukas of Ngoni origin - into one united Tumbuka ethnic group of Chasefu District. The study was conducted in Chasefu District formerly part of Lundazi District. Chasefu shares its boundary with Malawi, Chama and Lundazi. There are two major ethnic groups in this district collectively called Tumbuka-speaking people. These are the actual Tumbukas and Tumbukas of Ngoni origin. The actual Tumbukas are the majority and they were the first ones to settle there while Tumbukas of Ngoni origin are the minority group. The study had the following two (2) objectives: (i) Evaluate how the Tumbuka language has united the actual Tumbukas and the Ngonis into one (1) ethnic group (Tumbuka) of Chasefu (ii) Show specific circumstances that Tumbuka language unites different ethnic groups in Chasefu. This research used triangulation to narrate and describe the qualitative findings. The instruments used in this research are interview guides, questionnaires and digital recording devices. The sample consisted of selected members of Magodi Chiefdom. It had 101 participants involving both males and females. The participants were purposively picked. This study has shown a critical role language plays in uniting different ethnic groups of different origins. The findings show that: (i) there has been no segregation between the ethnic groups since the colonial leadership, (ii) the Tumbuka and the Ngoni have been paying tribute to ancestors during the Zengani ceremony (iii) during the ceremony the Tumbuka and the Ngoni dance common dances and songs are done in Tumbuka language, (iv) intermarriages further united by giving birth to children who belong to two different ethnic groups whose language is Tumbuka, (v) this has given two different ethnic groups a single identity as Tumbuka ethnic group, (vi) few elderly members of the Ngoni minority groups are still very attached to the cultural values of their community, (vii) in special occasions such as funerals and traditional ceremonies, they wear the animal skins, speak telegraphic Ngoni language (viii) the adoption of Tumbuka language by the Ngoni people has made them lose linguistic identity. These findings are particularly useful in the role of language in uniting different ethnic groups. Furthermore, the findings of the study may be used as additional information or as extra reference by other researchers who will be interested in carrying out further research on the role of language in uniting ethnic groups of different origin into one ethnic group.