| dc.description.abstract | This study is a description of the Kimeru nominal system within the theoretical framework of Natural Generative Phonology as proposed by Theo Vennemann (1973) and expounded by Hooper (1976).
The research problem focused on the irregularities evidenced in the synchronic grammar. Our major task has been to account for these irregularities pervading the nominal system.
To starts with, we set up correspondences between the current prefix series and the concordial affixes; and between these synchronic prefix series and the reconstructed proto-nominal prefixes. Based on these correspondences two observations were made: one. the current prefixal variants are phonetically predictable and could be accounted for by well motivated morphophonemic processes. The synchronic phonological rules that link the underlying prefix morphemes to the surface alternates have therefore been discussed. Secondly. certain surface realizations did not seem to have any phonetic motivation. Using both internal and comparative reconstruction methods. such forms have been shown to point at the phonological link between the diachronic and synchronic grammar. Underlying these correspondences are the various diachronic phonological processes as discussed in this study. These diachronic rules have been noted to be synchronically unproductive. Their residue occurrence in the synchronic grammar is what breeds the evidenced irregularities.
The above summary of analysis is discussed in detail in the five chapters of this dissertation. Chapter one provides general background information on the language including a description of the research problem. theoretical Issues. as well as outlining the various research activities carried out.
Chapter two dwells on the morphological aspect of the nouns in Kimeru. particularly, the criterion 'by which nouns are classified. We have noted that the class prefix is inherent in the head-noun and it is the basis by which Bantu nouns are classified. Based on this fact we sought to account for such phenomena as the lack of an overt prefix. the homophonous class prefixes. allomorphic prefixes and the lack of correspondence between the primary class prefix and its occurrence as the concordial morpheme. These morphophonemic puzzles form the basis for our discussions in chapter three and four.
In view of the above, chapter III is taken up by an analysis of the synchronic morphophonemic processes that link the various surface realizations of prefix forms and the underlying prefix morphemes. Such processes have been shown to be responsible for some instances of allornorphy in the language. How these processes alter the prefix shape has therefore been demonstrated. Further. the motivation for these rules has also been discussed.
Chapter IV complements chapter Ill. Although the study is synchronic. this chapter deals with diachronic phonological process. The chapter is aimed at assessing the diachronic implications of the nominal phonology. The bulk of the noted irregularities have been traced in the diachronic process. Such processes
have accounted for some of the null prefixes. the allomorphic prefixes such as class 1 mu/mo class 5 re/e, class 8 ~i/i and the noted lack of correspondence between the class prefix and the corresponding concordial affix as in class 2 a-Ba: class 14 o-Bo; class 3 mo-o among others. We have pointed out that the various historical rules having lost their motivation and having ceased being productive left traces in the synchronic grammar. Such traces are clearly the cause of irregularities in the synchronic grammar.
Finally. chapter V provides a summary of research findings and conclusion by reviewing the research problem, objectives and hypotheses to establish whether the findings answer the various research questions. This is done in the light of the insights, findings and observations made In the course of analysis. | en |
