A Phonological and Semantic Study of the Influence of Arabic on Orma Language

Abstract

This is a phonetic and semantic study of the influence of Arabic language on Orma language. The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of the sound and semantic systems of Arabic on Orma language. The study identifies the sound segments of both languages and the relationship that exists between them. The study used the Generative Phonology theory as well as the theory of semantic context to describe the sound system of both Modern Standard Arabic and Orma languages and the semantic relationship between the two languages. The study also describes the syllable system of both Arabic and Orma. The study describes phonological processes such as consonant substitution and vowel deletion which occur in Orma words of Arabic origin. The study also concludes that there are many Orma words of Arabic origin whose meaning does not change when they enter the Orma lexicon from Arabic while others undergo various phonological processes as they get adopted into the Orma language.