Sababoota Afaan Oromoo Dubbachuu Dadhabuu Daa’imman Oromoo Magaalaatti Dhalatanii Magaalaa Adaamaa akka Fakkeenyatti Fudhachuun

Abstract

This study was aimed at investigating factors that hinder Oromoo children born in urban areas from acquiring Oromoo language. To this end, a qualitative research design has been used. Focus group discussion and key informant interview have been used to collect relevant data from 28 respondents selected from four government offices in Adamacity and Oromoo parents residing in the city and whose children are not able to speak Oromoo language. Results of the thematic analysis of the data reveal that unfavorable attitude of Oromoo parents and other ethnic groupsin the city towards Oromoo language, low utilization of the language in the economic activities of the city, and problems related to baby sitters and day care centers wereamong themajor factors that hinder Oromoo children in Adama city from acquiring Oromoo language. Absence of utilization of Oromoo language in private schools and religious institutions of the city and limiting the utilization of the language to only Oromia region are also among the hindrances. Ensuring proper implementation of the existing language policies and proclamations, encouraging the utilization of Oromoo language in private schools and religious institutions in the city, increasing the involvement Oromoo people in the economic activities of the city, and putting pressure on the government to introduce Oromoo language as working language of the federal government were recommended to alleviate the existing problem.