Okinawan language usage down 13.5 points in FY 2020: 84% feel affection, 43% speak it

Okinawan language usage down 13.5 points in FY 2020: 84% feel affection, 43% speak it


May 4, 2021 Ryukyu Shimpo

 

On April 30, the prefectural government’s Culture, Tourism, and Sports Department announced the 2020 survey results on the familiarity of shimakutuba (the Okinawan language) among locals. Approximately 80% of respondents said they feel close to or have a sense of familiarity with shimakutuba. However, Okinawans who speak it beyond greetings have decreased over the years, down to about 40%.

 

Of the respondents, 43.2% mainly use shimakutuba, use it as much as standard Japanese, or use it beyond greetings, a decrease of 13.5 points from the previous 2019 survey. Meanwhile, 42.6% of respondents answered “Agree” or “Somewhat agree” to the question “is it appropriate to use shimakutuba in business or public,” down 4.7 points from the previous survey.

 

On the other hand, a record 84.8% answered they feel close to or have a sense of familiarity with the language. The prefectural government attributes this to schools dedicating time to teach shimakutuba in classrooms. Moreover, the results can be attributed to the work of the Shimakutuba Popularization Center.

 

Tsugiyoshi Miyagi, Director of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Department, said, “We are pleased that the number of people who feel close to or have a sense of familiarity with Shimakutuba has reached a record high, but the frequency of its use is decreasing. We need to devise new ways to promote and preserve the language.” The survey targeted Okinawa residents aged 18 and above and 2021 people responded. The survey was conducted between February 24 and March 1, 2021.

 

(English translation by T&CT and Monica Shingaki)

 

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