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.