A synchronic study of the major phonological processes of the Lunyore and Lutachoni dialects of Luyia consonantal systems.
Abstract
This thesis is a description of the
morphophonology of Lunyore and Lutachoni consonantal
systems using the theoretical framework of Natural
Generative phonology propounded by Vennemann (1972)
and developed by Joan Hooper (1976).
The thesis is divided into four chapters each
dealing with a particular aspect of the study. Chapter
one, which is an introduction presents background
information on the dialects of Luyia, the statement of
the problem, the objectives of the study, the
hypotheses, significance and justification of the
study,a theoretical ~model, scope and limitations, the ~
Literature review and the methodology are also
discussed here.
In chapter two, we looked at the underlying
-phonemes.of Lunyore and Lutachoni. This was followed by
a detailed discussion of their surface forms in chapter
three, and the rules that underly their realizations
formalized in distinctive features based on S.P.E
system of analysis. These rules include homorganic
nasal assimilation, continuant strengthening, voice
assimilation, Ganda Law and nasal palatalization. It is
on the basis of these consonantal processes that we
offer our support for the claim made by Angogo (1983)
that these two dialects of Luyia are, using a
phonological analysis correlated.
The conclusion, which is presented in chapter
four summarizes the findings of the study. The
contribution of this work to linguistic knowledge is
discussed and recommendations for further research
made.
Sponsorhip
University of NairobiDescription
Master of Arts Thesis