Bilingualism. Language Use and Attitudes.

8 2 GOALS. 2.1 Dialect Area Study.

2.1.1 Lexical Similarity.

To determine the degree of lexical similarity among the Garasia and Bhil dialects used in northern Gujarat and southern Rajasthan and the degree of lexical similarity of those dialects to the various major languages of the region. The degree of lexical similarity is expressed as a percentage based on a comparison of equivalent words using a standard word list.

2.1.2 Dialect Intelligibility.

To find the degree of inherent intelligibility among the Garasia and Bhil dialects used by the various communities. The degree of inherent intelligibility is expressed as a percentage. The percentage is based on the average of the scores on a simple language test that was administered as described in section 4.2.1. The sample size and standard deviation are also given.

2.2 Bilingualism.

To investigate the extent of bilingualism in the Garasia and Bhil communities with reference to Gujarati for those in Gujarat and to Hindi for those in Rajasthan. Bilingualism was investigated using simple language tests as described in section 5.1. The result is expressed as a percentage based on the average of the scores from members of different subgroups in a community. Those tested were to make up a representative sample of the community. The representative sample is based upon demographic information that identifies major social factors which affect bilingualism. Bilingualism was also investigated using a bilingualism proficiency questionnaire as described in section 5.1. The results of the questionnaire are expressed as a particular level of fluency as perceived by those interviewed in the community.

2.3 Language Use and Attitudes.

To investigate how languages are used and how the indigenous peoples of southern Rajasthan and northern Gujarat look upon their own language and that of others. The methods of investigation included a language use and attitudes questionnaire and personal observations on the part of the researchers. Informal questions and candid statements from the field also aided in finding out information about the language situation. 9 3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS. 3.1 Dialect Area Study. On the basis of the dialect intelligibility testing, we conclude the following: 1. The Adiwasi Garasia of Bordiyala understand the Rajput Garasia dialect to a great extent. The Adiwasi of Danta taluk in Banaskantha district and Poshina taluk of Sabarkantha district should be able to use Rajput Garasia vernacular literature. 2. The Rajput Garasia do not understand the Adiwasi Garasia to the same extent as the latter do the former. That is to say, the Rajput Garasia speakers would not be able to use Adiwasi Garasia literacy materials were those materials available. 3. The language spoken by the Adiwasi Dungari Garasia in the Bhiloda area of southern Sabarkantha is significantly different from either Adiwasi Garasia or Rajput Garasia. The differences are so great, in fact, that the Dungari Garasia would not be able to use the Rajput Garasia vernacular literature.

3.2 Bilingualism.