MORPHOLOGY OF BURA LANGUAGE

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0   Introduction

This project is on the morphology of Bura language. Morphology is the study of word formation in language. In this chapter, we shall discuss the geographical location, historical background and socio-cultural profile of Bura (Pabir) language and its speakers. Other areas covered in this chapter are the genetic classification of Bura language, method of data collection and analysis, the scope and organization of study and also the theoretical framework used in analyzing our data.

1.1   Geographical Location of Bura People and Language

Bura people which are the second largest ethnic group in Borno state inhabit Biu emirate, which is in the southern part of the state. They are known as Bura or Pabir. The language is called Bura or Pabir by the native speakers.

The Bura people are found in the Lower Benue Basin of the Borno Maidguri. The area stretches from Imusika in the north to Lake Adau in the South; from Sambisa Gome Reserve in the east. The language is spoken in Borno state in Hawul, Bia, Damaltura, Shafa and Shani local government areas and also in Garkida Local government in Adamawa state. It is spoken in four villages, which are Imusika, Parakusa, Garu and Pabur.

1.2   Historical Background of Bura People

History has it that the Bura people migrated from Saudi Arabia from a town called Badr, as a result of religious conflict between Mecca and Medina. They arrived at Garkida, which is now in Adamawa state. They settled among the Shiba, for about nine years. From there, in search of a more suitable place, they moved to a location around lake Tilla, which borders Yemyem in Shani local government area in Borno state.

Having left lake Tilla area, the Bura people moved to a place known as Wasunsu, the present Imusika town and settled near the famous Biu emirate. They became intimate with the Kanuri people. They fought their enemies together. They stayed at the North of Biu before being attacked by Yamta-ra-Wala around the 16th century. The few people Yamta brought with him intermarried with the Bura and built up the dynasty into a kingdom.

Those who descended from Yamta’s group were called Pabir (Babur). This is why the Pabir and Bura differ considerably in culture and appearance. Although they speak the same language they saw themselves as different ethnic groups. Up till today, the Pabir are the ruling class among the Bura and all the Bura villages pay tribute to the Emir of Biu. The Bura still resent the Pabir.

The Bura people for many years suffered so much from their Moslem neighbours who are in control of the town. In a bid to keep their culture intact, the Bura people moved to Imusika, a few kilometers from the Biu emirate and founded the present Imusika village and some other villages like Parakasa and Garu. The Bura people up till today are still answerable to the Emir of Biu Emirate.

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