Linguistic landscape and language attitude: A case study on Jimma towns linguistic landscape inscribers attitude for Afan Oromo

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to investigate Jimma town’s linguistic landscape inscribers’ attitude for Afan Oromo (Oromo Language) and its effects on Afan Oromo writings in Linguistic landscape of the town. The study was based on structured interviews and discussions made with linguistic landscape inscribers of Jimma town. To this end, it sought to find answers for two questions, that is, ‘What is Jimma town’s linguistic landscape inscribers’ attitude for Afan Oromo?’ and ‘How does Jimma town’s linguistic landscape inscribers’ attitude for Afan Oromo affect Afan Oromo writings in linguistic landscape of the town?’ Accordingly, it was found out that most of the inscribers held negative attitude for the language because of their preconceived misconceptions. Consequently, they carelessly inscribed Afan Oromo based on other peoples’ assistances. They also did not care about the accuracy of the information they inscribed because they believed that the purpose of inscribing in Afan Oromo was to fulfill the formality of the regional government’s language policy. So, to prevent further linguistic problems that may perpetuate as a result of this sort of attitude, language awareness raising program and language trainings need to be undertaken in Jimma town by the regional language planning body and the language community.