ASPECTS OF BURA PHONOLOGY

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0    INTRODUCTION

          As an introductory chapter, we shall focus on the historical background of Bura, sociolinguistic profile of the people and the genetic classification of the language. Other sub-headings in this chapter include the scope and organization of study, theoretical framework, data collection, data analysis, and a brief review of the chosen framework.

1.1    GENETIC BACKGROUND OF THE LANGUAGE

          Bura is a language spoken in two adjacent states in the north-eastern part of Nigeria. Native speakers of Bura are found in the southern part of Borno and northern Part of Adamawa. In Borno state, native speakers are found, precisely, in Gwoza and Damboa districts while in Adamawa state, they live around Madagalik, Gulak, Duhu and Isge.

          In terms of population of speakers, the SIL website ethnologue counts 250,000 ‘Bura’ altogether (SIL, 1993).

1.2    HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF BURA SPEAKERS

          As stated above, native speakers of Bura are found in southern part of Borno in Borno state and northern part of Adamawa in Adamawa state. In Borno state, native speakers are found, precisely, in Gwoza and Damba districts while in Adamawa state, they live around Madagalik, Gulak, Duhu and Isgel.

          The people of Duhu in Adamawa state migrated from Sukur mountain. Sukur mountain is located in Gombi Local Government Area in Adamawa state. The migration was due to the growth in their population and search for farm land.

          Quite a number of Bura speakers are literate. This is as a result of early contact with the Church of Brethen (CBM) Missionaries which brought education and medical care to Bura people.

1.3    SOCIOLINGUISTIC PROFILE OF BURA LANGUAGE

          The Bura people have a very rich sociolinguistic profile just like many African people. These include their system of government with the king as the head. The king is assisted by leaders of different units like farming and army, known as ‘Lawans’. Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion (ATR) are the religions practiced by Bura people. A rough estimate of the religious percentages is as follows: Muslim 78%, Christians 20%, Traditionalists 2%.

          Traditionally, Bura people wear the normal Hausa attaire and carry sticks (especially those on mountain). The women are seen with skirts and wrapper which they tie on one side above the shoulder. Their hair is always cut short and covered with a calabash.

          The economic system of Bura agriculture. In fact, agriculture is the dominant occupation of the Bura. Among their festivals are ‘maize harvest’ festival which performed before fresh corn can be eaten and ‘mbal’ festival for both men and women who are suitable for marriage.

1.4    GENETIC CLASSIFICATION

          Bura, Comrie (1987: 706) and Newman (1977) quoted in Meritt (1991: 92), is classified under Bura group of Biu-Mandara branch of Chadic sub-family of the Afro-Asiatic Phylum. This is shown by the family tree below. 

AFRICA

 

Niger-Kodorfania             Afro-Asiatic  Nilo-Saharan                   Khoisan

   

Egyptian      Semitic        Cushitic       Omotic         Berber                   Chadic

   

West Chadic          Biu Mandara          East Chadic                         Masa

   

Tera   Kotoko     Bura       Higi    Mandara     Matakam     Sukur     Daba   Bata

Group  Group    Group     Group Group       Group        Group   Group Group

   

Kilba                      Chibak                   Bura(Pabir)           Margi           Puta

1.4.1 GENETIC CLASSIFICATION OF BURA

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