Vowel Systems of Kenyan Languages

Abstract

This paper is an attempt at a phonological classification of all Kenyan languages, based on their vowel systems. It attempts to demonstrate that, by concentrating only on vowels, it is possible to show similarities as well as differences in the phonological structure of the different indigenous languages spoken in Kenya. This analysis will therefore serve as a basis for the description of the vowel system of any indigenous language spoken in Kenya. Traditionally, language classification has focused on different typologies to establish relationships between languages. The analysis in this paper is a departure from the traditional classification model of e.g. Welmers (1973: 1-19) where languages are classified according to language family groups: it demonstrates that by focusing only on the vowel system, it is possible to derive phonologically-based classificatory criteria for describing every indigenous Kenyan language. The framework used in this analysis is based partly on that of Generative Phonology proposed by Chomsky and Halle (1968) and partly on that of Hooper (1976). By combining the two approaches, the advantage gained is twofold: descriptive adequacy is achieved while there is, as far as possible, a one-to-one correspondence of surface forms to underlying ones.