Adara Cultural Vocabulary With Glosses in Hausa and English in Kaduna

Student: Aishatu Muhammad Adamu (Project, 2025)
Department of Linguistics and Nigeria Language
Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Kaduna State

Abstract

This study documents the cultural vocabulary of the Adara language with glosses in Hausa and
English, addressing the linguistic and cultural erosion faced by this minority language in Kaduna
State, Nigeria. The research explores how the Adara language reflects the community’s rich
heritage through terms specific to their traditions, social structures, and environment. Utilizing a
qualitative approach, data were collected from the native speakers using wordlist questionnaires
and open-ended interviews. Culturally, significant terms were identified across thematic
categories such as plants, body parts, human relationships, animals, and rituals. The findings
reveal that while Adara retains a cultural lexicon, language shift influenced by dominant
languages like Hausa and English threatens its vitality, particularly among younger generations.

Keywords
Kaduna State Adara challenges implemented cultural vocabulary plant body parts environment thematic
Filters
Institutions