Dissertation (MA Linguistics)This study examined the social and economic factors for Makonde language maintenance in Mkoma village in Newala Tanzania. It also examined contexts of languages use and significance of minority languages. The study employed qualitative and quantitative approaches. Forty respondents who are native Makonde speakers living in Mkoma village participated in the research. Fifteen respondents participated in oral interviews and twenty five participated by filling up questionnaires. The major findings revealed that Makonde language is maintained in Mkoma village due to low level of education of its people staying in one place (in the village), emotional attachment to Makonde language and low social and economic mobility of people living in Mkoma. The study recommended that education should be given to people in order for them to know the importance of minority languages. Also government should put emphasis on minority languages documentation to ensure their sustainability. Parents should be encouraged to teach their children their minority languages and government should allow students to learn minority languages at lower level of education.