Mahafaly Dialect, and endangered language.

[José Carlos Pons Ballesteros]

The Mahafaly are an ethnic group of Madagascar that inhabit the plains of the Betioky-Ampamihy area. Their name means either "those who make taboos" or "those who make happy". They are believed to have arrived in Madagascar from southeastern Africa around the 12th century and managed to preserve autonomy during the reign of the Merina kingdom. The Mahafaly speak a dialect of the Malagasy language, which is a branch of the Malayo-Polynesian language group derived from the Barito languages, spoken in southern Borneo.

 

From January 2011 to May 2011, I worked as a vounteer in the Mahafaly region. During this period of time I compiled a small dictionary (or frase-book) of aprox. 2600 words of Mahafaly dialect translated to Malagasy and English. I did this with the contribution of many local authors.

 

This is the first endeavor of its kind, as certified in writting by the local governmental authorities of the Mahafaly region. The dictionary has been reviewed by the Malagasy Academy of Language, and other colaborators from UNESCO.

 

Myself along with all contributors to the Mahafaly Dialect project are looking for the best venue to share the Mahafaly Dictionary, and thus help protect the Mahafaly Dialect.

 

I would appreaciate all comments and/or advise you might have in this endevour.