Phonological variations of Lubukusu language using the natural generative phonology theory

Abstract

This research is a study on the phonological variations in Lubukusu language using the Natural Generative Phonology (NGP) expounded by Hooper and Venemann. It seeks to investigate the assumption that, Lubukusu language has other varieties existing side by side. It attempts to focus attention on segmental phonology and supra segmental features as evident in Lubukusu language. Segmental phonology is devoted in the establishment of the vowels and the consonants, and their subsequent distribution in the Lubukusu language. The phonological processes and their succinct rules peculiar to Lubukusu, are captured through distinctive features. Lastly, the supra-segmental feature tone is aimed at highlighting the variation in tone in Lubukusu dialects, in the sense that tone varies in distribution according to each dialect. The research will precisely be descriptive in approach. This thesis is divided into five chapters each, dealing with a distinct and separate aspect from the other. Chapter one provides the background information, the problem statement, the research questions, the research objectives, the hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitations, theoretical framework literature review, conceptual framework and the research methodology. Chapter two discusses the sound inventory of both the consonants and the vowels in the Lubukusu language and their subsequent distribution. In chapter three the major phonological processes evident in Lubukusu language are highlighted with a phonological rule in distinctive features accompanying each process. Chapter four offers a detailed discussion on the application of both the lexical and grammatical tone in Lubukusu language and the way it varies when it comes to dialects and lastly conclusion, findings and recommendation are deduced at the end of chapter five