Language as a Mediating Factor in Interethnic Relations and Out-Group Acceptance: The Specific Case of the Malinke (Dyula) and Senoufo in Côte d’Ivoire

摘要

There is mutual acceptance between the Senoufo and Malinké, two ethnolinguistic groups of C?te d’Ivoire. In order to assess language as the mediating factor between the two groups, two different questionnaires have been submitted respectively to some individuals of each group. The statistical analysis and interpretation of the data have permitted to reveal that the Dyula language plays a key role in the peaceful relations between the Senoufo and Malinke of C?te d’Ivoire. It has been discovered that on the one hand, the bilingualism of the Senoufo draws them closer to the Malinke-Dyula. The Malinke-Dyula on the other hand develops positive attitudes and a like for the Senoufo out-group because the latter can use their preferred language.