Dissertation (MA Linguistics)The research was conducted in Kipangwa language spoken in Ludewa district in Njombe Region in order to study the factors contributing to language shift from ethnic community languages to Kiswahili in Tanzania. Data were collected by using questionnaire and interviews. The study revealed the presence of early signs of language shift from Kipangwa to Kiswahili. The study found that monolingualism was rare among the Pangwa people, while bilingualism with abilities in both Kipangwa and Kiswahili was widespread; borrowing of Swahili terms and code switching were common and Kiswahili was increasingly used for communication within the family and community. The impact of Kiswahili on Kipangwa can be attributed to its prestige as the national and official language. It is the medium of instruction in primary education, the language of the media and official events. Recommendations to ensure the survival of Kipangwa include conducting research on and documenting the language; collecting and publishing Kipangwa oral traditions with translations in Swahili and English; organizing cultural events using the language; and conducting sensitization campaigns to promote it.