# I. anguage is a powerful means of communication which has enabled us to be more developed in comparison to other creatures so far found in the world. It is the principal means used by human beings to communicate with one another. It is that divine gift for human being, 'species specific to man' that has enabled us to enjoy the pleasure available in the world. Languages are also social phenomenon and do not necessarily have clear edges that would make them easy to identify and define. Our identity lies in the culture we follow. One of the most powerful forms of symbolization and central feature of all human culture is language. Moreover, it is a part of culture which is a system of symbolic verbal and sometimes written representation learned within a particular culture (Appelbaum & Chambliss, 1995). Language standardization is the process by which a vernacular in a community becomes the standard language (SL) form. This carries implicit elements of prestige (whereby the SL vernacular is valued more highly than others), stability, and common usage. Alternative variations are either eliminated and/or stigmatized. Language and language standardization is also a topic which opens up a whole array of political, social and cultural issues for learners to examine as a part of, and as a vehicle for, their language learning. Standardization typically involves a fixed orthography, codification in authoritative grammars and dictionaries and public acceptance of these standards. Language standardization is still to be achieved and remains an ongoing process for countries like Ethiopia, where most of the existing languages did not have a literacy tradition, but have only recently obtained access to writing. The history of the large international languages is full of evidences on how difficult, controversial and even painful sometimes this process is, particularly with respect to the means used to achieve it. Needless to say that the societies shifting now from a predominantly oral system to a written one cannot afford to borrow the same lengthy way. According to Wolff (2000:332) one of the major concerns of language planning is language standardization, especially in Africa. Language standardization is a means, in 'language development,' selection and promotion of variants with in a language. Similarly, Nyombe (2001) said the issue of standardization in Africa is a question of development of African languages as modern vehicles of education, administration and literacy expansion. He describes by referring Abdulaziz(1991), the development of indigenous African languages is vital for the future material and political development of the continent. He reason out, to be advanced politically, economically, educationally and culturally, women and men of the rural Africa should be involved. This mass involvement can be realized only using their language as a medium and through their language. Oyetade(2001:20) also explained the need for standardization by referring its contribution in the development of a nation. He said the standardization is essential to facilitate communication, enhance unification, simplify teaching, and serve a political purpose etc. Generally, to use the languages in development of a country standardization is highly essential and to achieve all these, Wolaita language speaking community, particularly the officials should provide due attention for Wolaita language standardization. Thus, the main focus of the study was the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The main rationale for conducting this study was that some stakeholders like Wolaita Sodo university intellectuals tried their best to standardize Wolaita language but, still it was not standardized as people use different words to express the same thing both in writing and speaking and hence the researcher sought to inform that mobilizing the Wolaita language speaking community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue might have its own contribution to homogenize Wolaita language in all areas of Wolaita Zone. # Introduction Standardization is essential to extend and enhance languages like Wolaita to increase its involvement both nationally and internationally. Standardized language plays great role to enhance culture and identify of a particular society. To implement effective communication, enhance unification and facilitate effective teaching and to keep the ongoing development of Wolaita language and culture in general standardization is essential and to bring this in to effect all Wolaita language speaking community should be mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Few researches were carried out with regard to standardization; but only one research was conducted in Wolaita language standardization .Thus, this study emphasize on the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in wolaita language standardization issue to fill this gap. Thus, it attempts to answer the following research questions. 1. What are the significances of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue? 2. What are the methods of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue? 3. Who should take more accountability regarding Wolaita language standardization issue? a) Objectives of the study The main objectives of the study was finding out the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Specific objectives of the study were the following : 1. To find the significance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. 2. To identify the methods of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. 3. To sort the more responsible bodies regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. II. # METHODOLOGY a) The research design The main focus of the study was the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Thus, in this study descriptive research design was used. This is because the descriptive research design attempts to describe, explain and interpret conditions of the present (Kothari, 2004;Keith, 2000) .The main reason for using descriptive research design was that it is appropriate to identify and analyze the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The nature of the research also allowed using this research design. # b) Place of research The research was conducted in Wolaita Zone which is one of thirteen zones found in SNNPR, Ethiopia.It has twelve Woredas and three town administrations. Among these, one town administrations i.e.,Boditi town and one wereda which was Humbo were purposely selected for the study. In addition, selected sectors in Wolaita Zone level administration offices and Wolaita Sodo University were purposively selected. The reason for selecting this town and wereda,Wolaita Sodo University and Zone level administration offices was that these places are rich enough to obtain sufficient data for the study. # c) Research Participants The research was conducted among indigenous Wolaita language speaking community. The researcher participated the research subjects from both Wolaita Zone level and town administration government sectors as well as wereda offices to obtain rich data for investigation. Thus, Wolaita zone culture, tourism and government communication affairs department culture and language experts and zone education department language experts and Wolaita sodo university language and culture scholars were involved in the study. Wereda and town administration culture, tourism and government communication affairs office culture and language experts as well as education bureau experts of both settings were involved so as to obtain adequate information for study. In addition, four Wolaita language teachers from both Humbo Tebela and Boditi secondary schools and four educated elders from Humbo Wereda and Bodoti town were involved in study. # d) Sample size and Sampling Technique The study indicated that the total size of the research participants were 22. In order to get this population size, the researcher used purposive sampling techniques because it helps the researcher to meet the research participants that can provide rich information to the study. The researcher purposively participated two Wolaita zone culture, tourism and government communication affairs office experts and two Wolaita zone education department experts in study. The researcher also took two wereda and two town administration culture, tourism and communication affairs office experts and four education experts from both research places using purposive sampling technique. This sampling technique enabled the researcher to get well informed researcher participants who could provide sufficient data to the study. In addition, two Wolaita sodo university scholars and four secondary school Wolaita language teachers from wereda and town administration as well as four educated elders were purposely selected for the study. # e) Data Collection tools The researcher used two research tools to collect the data. These were questionnaire and in-depth interview. # i. Questionnaire A Likert scale which is commonly involved in research that employs questionnaire was used. The reason for selecting a likert scale questionnaire was that it was suitable to explore importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Thus, the questionnaire was dispatched to Humbo wereda and Boditi town administration secondary school teachers as well as both Humbo wereda and Boditi town administration education experts and Wolaita zone education office experts and Wolaita sodo university language experts and Wolaita Zone Culture, tourism and government affairs office. All the rest participants involved in interview. The rationale for using many participants in questionnaire and less number of participants in interview was that the interview data took more time than questionnaire which was only choosing one answer from the given alternatives but interview took more time to provide responses. The total number of research subjects involved in questionnaires were 14. ii. # In-depth interview According to Babbie and Mouton (2001), indepth interviews are basic individual interviews frequently used for data gathering within the qualitative approach. What makes them unique and different from other types of interviews is that they are open so as to allow the subject of the study to speak for him/ her, rather than to provide the respondent with a battery of predetermined hypothesis-based questions. Therefore, in-depth interview research methods enabled the researcher to study the issue in detail and to come up with depth information so as to meet the general as well as the specific objectives of the research. Using in depth interview, the researcher gathered key information regarding the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The in-depth interview incurporates, four subjects from wereda and town administration culture, tourism and government communication affairs office and four educated elders from the two research settings. Thus, the total number of participants in depth interview were 8. # f) Methods of data analysis Data analysis entails the process of bringing order, structure and meaning to the mass of collected data (De Vos 2005). Leedy et al. (2002) state that the central task during data analysis is to identify common themes in people's descriptions of their experiences in order to ultimately provide a general description of the phenomenon as seen through the eyes of people with firsthand experience. The collected data were analyzed in qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative information obtained from the in depth interview was analyzed qualitatively in the form of narration. Hence, the researchers analyzed the qualitative data by carefully encoding responses get from interview in to words/ text form. The analysis of data was under taken on the basis of research objectives. Thus, during analysis priority were given to a quantitative data i.e. questionnaire which was analyzed first and then an interview data were analyzed qualitatively and the data were triangulated with the result of the questionnaire. The quantitative data were analyzed in tables which were categorized under various titles in their relationship. # III. # Results and Discussion Table 1: What are the significances of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue? No. Items SA A UD D SD f % f % f % f % f % 1. 1 Almost all Wolaita people use similar and standardized language in all areas of Wolaita zone. With regard to the significance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita standardization issue in table-1 item 1.1, the majority of the respondents about 40% strongly agreed that almost all Wolaita people use similar and standardized language in all areas of Wolaita zone. For the same item, about 30% agreed that almost all Wolaita people use similar and standardized language in all areas of Wolaita zone. Next to this about 10% said that they are undecided to say anything regarding that item. Moreover, 10% of the respondents replied that they disagreed on the above item and again 10% replied that they strongly disagreed on the item 1.1, in table-1. Majority of the respondents in interview data also assured that almost all Wolaita people use similar and standardized language in all areas of Wolaita zone. Some of them said the following: If effective mobilization is done to motivate the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization, Iam sure that majority of the community will use standardized Wolaita language, but to do this all stakeholders should play their own role ruthlessly. Fana FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96.6 should effectively play their own role by mobilizing the people stop using mixed language and to use homogenized language all over Wolaita Zone. They should encourage people to take initiative regarding standardization issue(AP). From the above interview data, we can understand three key points. The first one is that majority of the community will use similar language if they are motivated. Secondly, to ensure the standardization of Wolaita language all stake holders ruthlessly should contribute their own effort. Thirdly Fana FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96.6 should effectively play their own role to mobilize the whole community their radio airline. Therefore, according to the data provided by interview and questionnaire, one can assume that almost all people use the same language in all areas of Wolaita zone and this was one of the significances of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. As shown in table-1,item 1.2, the majority of respondents about 50% responded that the popularity of Wolaita language will increase both nationally and internationally as importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. For the same item, about 40% simply agreed that the increment of the popularity of Wolaita language is the significance of mobilizing the people and 10% did not decide anything regarding the item. No one replied saying disagree and strongly disagree for the item. For this item, the interview respondents gave almost the same response. For instance, two participants said as follows: it is good to activate Wolaita people to participate in standardization issue because it enhances the fame and the identity of the people in our country and in the world(P1&P8). Thus, based on the above analysis of questionnaire and interview, one can conclude that the popularity of Wolaita language will increase both nationally and internationally if people are mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. As can be seen from table-1 item 1.3, the majority of the research participants i.e. 40% quite agreed on statement that says almost all Wolaita people contribute their own share to standardize Wolaita language in condition that they are mobilized and encouraged to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Similarly, about 30% of the respondents strongly agreed on the same statement if the people are motivated to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue and 30% did not decide anything for same item. From this answer we can see that people were moderate in their response i.e simply agreed in above statement. The data found from the interview relatively supported the statement in item 1.3. For example, three of the respondents said that the following: the people can contribute a lot of share in language standardization, but for all these, the concerned bodies like Wolaita zone culture, tourism ,and government affairs office should encourage and motivate the people to effectively participate in language standardization. People should be mobilized to use mass media and social media. From this interview data, we 1.3 Almost all Wolaita people contribute their own share to standardize Wolaita language. The interest of the society to use Wolaita language as a working language in all government sectors will increase The Importance of Mobilizing Wolaita Community to Participate in Wolaita Language Standardization Issue in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia can understand two key points: firstly, for the people to contribute their own share, the concerned bodies should motivate and mobilize the people to participate in standardization issue. Secondly, using mass media and social media is important to mobilize the people to participate in language standardization issue. Based on the data found from interview and questionnaire, we can assume that almost all Wolaita people contribute their own share to standardize Wolaita language if they are properly mobilized to participate in language standardization issue. As shown in table-1 item 1.4, about 40 % of the participants replied that the attitude of the society will improve concern Wolaita language if they are mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. For similar item, about 30% replied that the attitude of the society will improve provided that they are motivated to involve in language standardization affair and 10% of the respondents did not decide anything for this item. Again 20% of the respondents disagreed that the attitude of the society will improve if they are motivated to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue and no one replied saying strongly agree for the above item. Thus, from the interview data we can see that the majority of the responded replied saying agreed and this shows that the respondents are moderate in their response regarding the item. The data collected from the interview also assured the information found from questionnaire. Some of the interview participants replied that mobilizing the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue improves their attitude and feelings concerning Wolaita language. They also said that the people start themselves to use similar languages to express something, but firstly for all these due motivation should be done by stakeholders. From the interview data, one can understand that mobilizing the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue improves their attitude regarding Wolaita language. Besides to this, the important thing should be done primarily to improve the attitude of the people and to show the way the people to start themselves standardizing their language is that stake holders should mobilize the people first of all. Therefore, based on the above questionnaire and interview data, one can guess that the attitude of the society will improve concern Wolaita language in circumstance that people are motivated to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. In table 1.item 1.5, majority of the respondents about 50% strongly agreed that the culture and language of Wolaita will develop more if Wolaita community are mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. For the same item, about 30% agreed that the culture and language of Wolaita will develop more if people are mobilized to involve in standardization issue. on the other hand, 10 % replied that they disagreed on the above item and again 10% strongly disagreed on the above statement. The interview participants assured the information found from questionnaires. They said as follows: With no doubt, the culture and language as well as the identity of the people will increase more if we motivate the people to engage in language standardization. More efforts should be done by officials to mobilize the people(P9&10). Based on the above questionnaire and interview, one can assume that the culture and language as well as the identity of the people will increase more in condition that we motivate the people to engage in language standardization issue. As one can see from table-1, item 1.6, majority of the respondents about 50% strongly agreed in statement that says many writers will be more motivated to write books and conduct researches if they are mobilized to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again about 40% of the respondents simply agreed on the same statement and no one chose the option undecided as can be seen from the table. Again 10% of the participants disagreed on the statement that says many writers will be more motivated to write books and conduct researches in condition that they are motivated to participate in Wolaita language standardization. Similarly, the interview data supported the information found from questionnaire. Some of them said the following: mobilizing the community to participate in language standardization is very important for the progress of various literatures of Wolaita language and it arouses many writers and researchers to contribute different books and research outcome to the society. It is also significant to publicize Wolaita language and culture to the outside World(AP). From the above interview data, we can understand that mobilizing the community is essential for the advancement of Wolaita language literature and it encourages many writers to write books and researchers to conduct various researches. This view also plays a great role to advertize Wolaita language and culture to outside World. Therefore, based on the data found from the questionnaire and interview, it is possible to conclude that many writers will be more motivated to write books and conduct researches if they are mobilized to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue. As shown in table-1,item 1.7 majority of the respondents about 40% of the respondents strongly agreed that the interest of the society to use Wolaita language as a working language in all government sectors will increase and about 20% quite agreed on this statement. For the same statement, about 20% did not decide anything. Again 10% of the respondents disagreed on statement which says the interest of the society to use Wolaita language as a working language in all government sectors will increase and similarly 10% strongly disagreed on that statement. The interview data quite proved the data found from questionnaire. Let us see some of the replies. I am sure that almost all people in Wolaita zone use Wolita language as a working language if relevant mobilization are made to participate the society in Wolaita language standardization issue, but for all this due efforts should be done the Wolaita officials and intellectuals (P9&P10). This interview data shows that officials and intellectuals should play more roles to mobilize the people to involve in language standardization issue. Thus, according to data found from the interview and questionnaire, we can conclude that the interest of the society to use Wolaita language as a working language in all government sectors will increase if people are properly mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again in item 1.8, a lot of respondents about 40% responded that all Wolaita people will proud of their identity and accept that Wolaita language is equal with all other world languages. For the same item, about 30% of the respondents quite agreed on that all Wolaita people will proud of their identity and accept that Wolaita language is equal with all other world languages and 20 % of the respondents did not decide their answer. Again 10% of the respondents disagreed on the same statement. The interview data shows relatively different result. Look some of it. It is difficult to say that all Wolaita people will proud of their identity and accept that Wolaita language is equal with all other world languages. It takes much time and efforts to bring this in to effect. As to me only some peoples may do this because for many years the people of Wolaita were the victim of others identity and the culture and to change this circumstances may take time and may happen gradually (p3&p5). From the above data, we can see that it takes much time to for the people to proud in their identity and to accept Wolaita language as equal with that of other world language. According to the information, it may happen gradually. Thus, based on the analysis of the data collected by both tools, one can comparatively guess that people may gradually proud of their identity and accept their language as equal with other languages in the world. # Table-2: What are the methods to mobilize Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue? No SA A UD D SD f % f % f % f % f % 2.1 Transmitting mobilizing messages to the community through mass media like Wolaita FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96. As can be seen from table-2,statement 2.1, majority of participants about 64.3% replied that transmitting messages to the community through mass media like Wolaita FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96.6 is one of the methods of mobilizing the community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again 28.57% replied as they agreed in the same statement above and 7.15% strongly disagreed on the statement that transmitting messages to the community through mass media like Wolaita FM radio 99.9 and # 45 Wogeta FM radio 96.6 is one of the methods of mobilizing the community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The interview data also supported the information found from questionnaire. Some of the respondents said this: In order to properly mobilize the people to involve in Wolaita language standardization, the concerned bodies should use different mass medias that can convey the encouraging messages to the community. It is clear that when people are mobilized they are more interested to involve in language standardization issue. This interview data also assures that using Various media is essential way to mobilize the people to engage in Wolaita language standardization issue. Therefore, based on the above data found from questionnaire and interview , we can conclude that transmitting mobilizing messages to the community through mass media like Wolaita FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96.6 is one of the techniques to participate the community in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again in statement 2.2., a lot of respondents about 35.7% strongly agreed that affixing different posters related to Wolaita language standardization in different areas of Wolaita Zone is opossible way to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Moreover,21.43% of the participants agreed that the same statement in 2.2 is one of the methods to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again 28.57% of the respondents decided nothing regarding affixing different posters related to Wolaita language standardization in different areas of Wolaita Zone and 14.28% disagreed about the same statement in 2.2. When relate this with interview many respondents agreed in statement above. They said as follows: posting different placards in relation to Wolaita language standardization issue is a vital technique to encourage the community to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue. Dispatching different posters from primary schools to secondary schools also essential way to mobilize the whole school community including students and teachers to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. This interview data shows that posting different placards to various areas of Wolaita zone and dispatching it to primary and secondary schools is one of the possible ways of mobilizing the community to involve in language standardization issue. Thus, according to the information obtained from interview and the questionnaire, it is possible to generalize that affixing different placards related to Wolaita language standardization in different areas of Wolaita Zone is and in all schools is one of the vital techniques to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. As shown in table 2, item 2.3, the majority of the respondents about 35.7% strongly agreed that establishing conferences with Wolaita people in different areas and discussing with them to find suggestions about language standardization is possible ways of mobilizing the community to engage in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again 28.57% of the respondents quite agreed the statement. For the same testimonial in table 2 item 2.3, about 21.43% of the research subjects did not decide anything and 14.28% disagreed that establishing conferences with Wolaita people in different areas and discussing with them to find suggestions about language standardization as methods to mobilize Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The data found from interview supported the data found from a likert scale questionnaire. Many of the respondents said this: as much as possible the concerned government officials and other stakeholders should launch consistent conferences with the people and discuss with them about the importance of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue and about ways of standardizing Wolaita language. The stakeholders should establish forums and make panel discussion with the communities in various kebeles of Wolaita Zone. This interview data also proves that launching consistent conferences with the people and making panel discussion with the communities in various kebeles is a good method to mobilize the people. Hence, based on the data found from interview and questionnaire one can assume that establishing conferences with Wolaita people in different areas and discussing with them to find suggestions about language standardization and establishing panel discussion forum with community in different kebeles is means of mobilizing the community to engage in Wolaita language standardization issue. When come to table-2 statement 2.4, relatively a large number of the respondents i.e.,28.57% strongly agreed that writing different books and dictionaries in Wolaita language and distributing it to the society to read is one of the techniques to mobilize the community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue and similarly 28.57% of the community normally agreed in that statement. Again 21.43% of the respondents agreed that writing different books and dictionaries is essential to motivate the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Furthermore, about 14.28% of the respondents answered as they disagreed in the statement in 2.4 and 7.15% strongly disagreed on this item. The interview data relatively supported the statement above. Many respondents said that without any doubt if books and comprehensive dictionaries are written in Wolaita language and distributed to the society, it will really mobilize the society to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The society also should be encouraged to read different materials written in Wolaita language. This interview data also shows that writing different materials in Wolaita language and motivating the community to read it is important to mobilize the society to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. According to the whole data found from both interview and questionnaire, we can summarize that writing different books and dictionaries in Wolaita language and distributing it to the society to read is one of the techniques to mobilize the community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. As shown from table2, item 2.5, the majority of the respondents i.e., about 42.9% strongly agreed that providing continuous training for some of the representatives of the people including teachers about language standardization is one of the methods to mobilize the people to involve in language standardization issue. Again 35.7% of the respondents replied as they normally agreed in the same statement i.e. providing continuous training for some of the representatives of the people including teachers about language standardization is one of the methods to mobilize the people to involve in language standardization issue. Next tothis, 21.43% of the participants undecided their response about the item in 2.5. The interview participants also replied as follows: most of the time providing consistent training to the society through mass media or in face to face is not practicable in Wolaita zone regarding language standardization and this by itself impedes people participation in Wolaita language standardization issue. Awareness creation forum should be established to encourage the people to involve in language standardization issue. This also indicates that providing training either face to face or through mass media is one of the possible ways of mobilizing Wolaita Community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. As a result, according to the data found from interview and focus questionnaire , one can guess that providing continuous training for some of the representatives of the people including teachers about language standardization is one of the methods to mobilize the people to involve in language standardization issue. The statement 2.6, in table 2 clearly points out that 50% of the respondents strongly agreed that strengthening Wolaita language instruction in primary and secondary schools as well as in higher institutions is one of the vital methods to mobilize the society to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Again, some number of the respondents i.e., about 14.28% normally agreed in the same statement and 21.43% did not decide anything regarding the item in 2.6 and 14.28% disagreed instatement which says strengthening wolaita language instruction in primary and secondary schools as well as in higher institutions. The interview data also supported the data found from questionnaire. They said as follows: The officials and the whole community should stretch their hand and strongly work in issue of strengthening Wolaita language instruction from lower primary schools up to higher institution because it is the main source and ways for mobilizing the community to involve in language standardization issue and standardize our language. More orientations and especial support should be given to the teachers and other targeted personalities to involve more in mobilization issue. Transmitting Wolaita language instructions in radio also plays great role in mobilizing the society to involve in language standardization issue. From this interview data, we can understand that strengthening Wolaita language education from lower primary schools up to higher institution is vital to mobilize the society to involve in language standardization issue. Therefore, from the data found from interview and questionnaire we can conclude that strengthening Wolaita language instruction in primary and secondary schools as well as in higher institutions and providing especial support to the teachers and other targeted personalities is one of the techniques of mobilizing the community to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue. Lastly, from table 2, item 2.7, many participants about 42.9% replied as they strongly agreed in statement that says suggesting people to use local elders as reference for some difficult terms is one of ways of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in language standardization issue. Again,28.57% of the participants relatively agreed in this statement and 21.43% of the respondents undecided their response regarding the item. Besides, only 7.15% of the research subjects disagreed in this statement. Let us see the interview data. As to me it is essential to suggest for the people to use local elders as reference for difficult terms and this is a very important method to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. According to the data found from interview and questionnaire one can conclude that suggesting people to use local elders as reference for some difficult terms is one of the possible methods to mobilize the community to participate in language standardization issue. # Year 2018 Volume XVIII Issue V Version I ( G ) Many of the research subjects in interview supported the data found from questionnaire: many government sectors should take responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. Government sectors like Wolaita zone culture and tourism office as well as all wereda culture, tourism and government communication office should take more accountability regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. Zone and wereda education office also should take responsibility about Wolaita language standardization issue. This interview data shows that many government sectors like Wolaita zone and Wereda culture, tourism and government communication bureau as well as education offices in all weredas and Wolaita zone should take responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. According to the data obtained from the interview and questionnaire, one can guess that Wolaita zone and wereda culture, tourism and government communication affairs office as well as Zone and wereda education office also should take responsibility about Wolaita language standardization issue and about 35.71% strongly agreed in that idea. In table 3. item 3.2, the majority participants about 50% normally agreed that SNNPR, culture and tourism office should take more responsibilities regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. Next to this, about 35.71% strongly agreed in this statement and 14.3 % of the research subjects did not decide anything regarding the item. The interview data also put forward similar responses: culture and tourism office in southern Ethiopia has to take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue because the issue language and culture is more of their work. Thus, based on the result of the above interview and questionnaire, it is possible to assume that culture and tourism office of southern Ethiopia should take more responsibility concerning Wolaita language standardization issue. As we can see from item 3.3. a lot of research informants about 64.3% strongly agreed that South education bureau, Wolaita zone and Wereda education bureau are more responsible concerning Wolaita language standardization issue. Again, about 35.71% of the respondents normally agreed regarding this statement and no one said anything regarding other scales. The data found from interview also assured this :as the responsibility of Wolaita Zone and Wereda education offices is to administer all the education issues including languages, they should take relevant responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. This interview data also shows that South education bureau, Wolaita zone and Wereda education bureau should take relevant responsibility for Wolaita language standardization issue. Therefore, based on results found from the interview and questionnaire, one can assume that South education bureau, Wolaita zone and Wereda education bureau, are one of those who should take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issues. As can be seen from item 3.4 in table 3, a lot of respondents i.e., about 50% strongly agreed that Wolaita Sodo university language scholars as well as both secondary and primary school teachers should take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. Again, 28.57% of the participants also quite agreed in this statement and 14.3% did not decide their response about this statement. Besides to this, 7.14% of the research subjects disagreed in the same item. Similarly. the interview data also proved this idea: we expect many things from language scholars of Wolaita Sodo university and Arbaminch college of teachers education as wella as teachers from both secondary schools and primary schools about Wolaita language standardization issue. We expect many things especially from Wolaita sodo university language scholars. They should help us in research and community service concerning Wolaita language standardization issue. From this we can see that a lot of responsibilities put on Wolaita Sodo University and arbaminch college of teacher education professionals and primary and secondary schools regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. According to the data found from interview and questionnaire, we can conclude that professionals from Wolaita Sodo university and Arbaminch college of teachers education as wella as teachers from both secondary schools and primary schools should play more roles and take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. Finally, in table 3 item 3.5, the majority of informants about 57.1% strongly agreed that educated elders should take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. Next to this, few respondents about 14.3% simply agreed in this statement and 21.43% of the participants did not decide their response. Besides to this, few respondents i.e.,7.14 % replied as they disagreed in statement which says educated elders should take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. The interview participants also replied that educated elders can play more roles and should take more responsibility pertaining to Wolaita language standardization issue. Hence the data found from questionnaire and interview, it is possible to generalize that educated elders should take more responsibility with regard to Wolaita language standardization issue. # IV. Concussions and Recommendations a) Concussions Based on the results and discussions of the study, the following conclusions were made. The study indicated that almost all people use the same language in all areas of Wolaita zone as one of the significances of mobilizing Wolaita community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The finding also disclosed that popularity of Wolaita language will increase both nationally and internationally if people are mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The research showed that almost all Wolaita people contribute their own share to standardize Wolaita language if they are properly mobilized to participate in language standardization issue. The attitude of the society will also improve concerning Wolaita language in circumstance that people are motivated to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The study also generalizes that culture and language as well as the identity of the people will increase in condition that we motivate the people to engage in language standardization issue. Many writers will be more motivated to write books and conduct researches if they are mobilized to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue. The study concluded that the interest of the society to use Wolaita language as a working language in all government sectors will increase if people are properly mobilized to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The people may gradually proud of their identity and accept their language as equal with other languages in the world due to mobilizing them. The study shows that transmitting mobilizing messages to the community through mass media like Wolaita FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96.6 is one of the techniques to participate the community in Wolaita language standardization issue. Affixing different placards related to Wolaita language standardization in different areas of Wolaita Zone is and in all schools is one of the vital techniques to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. The findings also proved that establishing conferences with Wolaita people in different areas and discussing with them to find suggestions about language standardization and establishing panel discussion forum with community in different kebeles is one of means of mobilizing the community to engage in Wolaita language standardization issue. According to the findings writing different books and dictionaries in Wolaita language and distributing it to the society to read is one of the techniques to mobilize the community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. Providing continuous training for some of the representatives of the people including teachers about language standardization is also one of the methods to mobilize the people to involve in language standardization issue. As can be seen from the findings strengthening Wolaita language instruction in primary and secondary schools as well as in higher institutions and providing especial support to the teachers and other targeted personalities is one of the techniques of mobilizing the community to involve in Wolaita language standardization issue. Suggesting people to use local elders as reference for some difficult 2![The popularity of Wolaita language will increase both nationally andThe Importance of Mobilizing Wolaita Community to Participate in Wolaita Language Standardization Issue in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia](image-2.png "2") 4![The attitude of the society will improve concern Wolaita language 4](image-3.png "4") ![Wolaita people will proud of their identity and accept that Wolaita language is equal with all other world languages f=frequency %=percentage SA: Strongly Agree =5 AG: Agree =4 UD: Undecided=3 DS: Disagree=2 SD: Strongly Disagree=1](image-4.png "-") 3NoItemsSA fA fUD fD fSD f%%%%%3.1Wolaita zone and wereda culture, tourism and85--1government communication affairs office.57.135.717.143.2SNNPR culture and tourism office572--3.3South education bureau, Wolaita zone and Wereda education bureau9 64.35 35.71---3.4Wolaita Sodo university language scholars and Secondary & primary school teachers7 504 28.572 14.31 7.14-3.5Educated elders8 57.12 14.33 21.431 7.14-f=frequency %=percentage SA: Strongly Agree =5 AG: Agree =4 UD: Undecided=3DS: Disagree=2 SD: Strongly Disagree=1As shown in table-3 item 3.1, the majority of therespondents i.e., about 57.1% strongly agreed thatWolaita zone and wereda culture, tourism andgovernment communication affairs office take moreresponsibilityregardingWolaitalanguagestandardization issue. For the same item, about 35.71%agreed that aforementioned government sectors likeWolaita zone culture, tourism and governmentcommunication affairs officeshould take moreresponsibilityregardingWolaitalanguagestandardization issue and about 7.14%stronglydisagreed in that idea. The Importance of Mobilizing Wolaita Community to Participate in Wolaita Language Standardization Issue in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia © 2018 Global Journals terms is one of the possible methods to mobilize the community to participate in language standardization issue. The study also disclosed that Wolaita zone and wereda culture, tourism and government communication affairs office as well as culture and tourism office of southern Ethiopia should take more responsibility concerning Wolaita language standardization issue. The study also assured that South education bureau, Wolaita zone and Wereda education bureau, are one of those who should take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. The findings indicated that professionals from Wolaita Sodo university and Arbaminch college of teachers education as wella as teachers from both secondary schools and primary schools should play more roles and take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. The study also proved that educated elders should take more responsibility with regard to Wolaita language standardization issue. ## b) Recommendations Based on the discussions and conclusions made above, the following recommendations are forwarded: The stake holders like Zone and wereda culture, tourism and government communication affairs department together with other government sectors should design possible strategies that enable them to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. ? The mass media like Wolaita FM radio 99.9 and Wogeta FM radio 96.6 transmission centre should play due role to distribute messages to the community to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. ? The stake holders should establish conferences and panel discussion forum with the community in different kebeles to mobilize the people to participate in language standardization issue. ? The people should use local elders as reference for new and difficult terms. The officials should strengthen Wolaita language instruction in primary and secondary schools as well as in higher institutions to mobilize the people to participate in Wolaita language standardization issue. ? All Wolaita Zone and wereda culture and tourism and government communication affairs office should play their own role and take responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue. ? South education bureau and all education bureaus of Wolaita zone should take responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue and contribute what is expected from them. ? Scholars of Wolaita Sodo university and Arbaminch college of teacher education professionals and secondary and primary school teachers should take more responsibility regarding Wolaita language standardization issue and contribute what is expected from them . 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