Language Use in Shone Town: a sociolinguistic study

The major objective of this study is to describe the patterns of language use of various ethno-linguistic groups in bilingual community, particularly in Shone town.The patterns of bilingualism,language shift and maintenance through different generations were over-viewed in the study. The result of the study revealed that Shone is a multilingual town with seven languages in use: Hadiyyisa, Amharic, Wolaytato, Kambatisata, Afan Oromo, Gurage and English. The use of these languages in the family domain and in the out-door domains such as neighborhood, market place, worship places,school,etc.were described thoroughly. The attitude of different linguistic groups towards various languages was also part of the description. Furthermore, code-switching and borrowing as the linguistic consequences of language contact were described briefly. The author hopes that the study will provide relevant information for practitioners who are engaged in language related activities such as language planning, curriculum development, etc. Moreover, social planners and development workers can make use of this study.