Dissertation (MA Linguistics)This dissertation reports the findings of an assessment of the status of Meru language in Tanzania. The focus of the assessment was on the domains of use, intergeneration transmission, and speakers‘ attitude. In specific, the study examined the usage of Meru language in different domains; it evaluated the trend of Meru language transmission from one generation to another and assessed the attitudes of the speakers towards the language. The study was conducted in Meru district using the qualitative procedures, i.e. interviews, participant observation through the UNESCO framework and open ended questionnaires. A total of 105 informants were used to generate data which were at the end analysed using the qualitative procedures. Analysis of the information obtained revealed that Meru language is in danger of dying due to the influence and domination of Kiswahili. Currently, the language is even dominated by Kiswahili in informal domains, like the home environment, family meetings while Kiswahili continues to be used predominantly in formal domains, like school, market and religion. Following this finding and the importance of having ethnic community languages in our societies, it is suggested that the native speakers should assist their children to speak and create positive attitudes towards the language. There is also the need for linguists to document the language and other languages in danger of disappearing since there is a sign of disappearance of some important elements of the language.