A morphophonological nativization of lumarachi loan words: a case of borrowing from Dholuo

Abstract

This study deals with the phonological and morphological nativization of loanwords derived from Dholuo language using the Natural Generative Phonology (NGP) theory propounded by Vennemann (1972) and developed by Hooper (1976). Our hypothesis is that loanwords from Dholuo language are accommodate into Lumarachi through various Phonological and Morphological processes. Data elicitation and the ressearcher's knowledge and observation of the languages under study are the main ways of carrying out this study. The research is subdivided into five chapters. Chapter one looks at the Background of the study, Statement of the problem, Objectives, Hypotheses, Rationale and Significance of the study, Scope and Limitation, Literature review, Theoretical framework and the Research methodology. Chapter two discusses the Lumarachi and Dholuo phonemic inventory and the syllable structure. The nativization off loanwords is realized through the phoneme and syllable adaptations. In chapter three, we look at the various Phonemic and Syllable adaptations of loanwords. We further explore the honological processes associated with the phonemic and syllable adaptation. Morphological adaptation is discussed in Chapter four. This looks at the extent to which loanwords are integrated into recognized Lumarachi nominal classes. Lastly, Chapter five gives a conclusion of the whole research and offers recommendations for further research.