Loan words in Nandi from English and Kiswahili languages

Abstract

This study focuses on the phonological and morphological adaptations of loan words in Nandi from English and Kiswahili using the theoretical frameworks of Natural Generative Phonology and Generative CV- Phonology. The former has been used in the explanation of phonological and morphological processes while the latter has been used in the analysis of the syllable structure. In light of this, segmental phonology of Nandi was discussed at length, phonological as well as morphological adaptations of loan words was also examined and finally a summary of the research findings was given. This study found out that various vowel and consonant processes as well as syllable structure adaptation processes were involved in the adaptation of loan words in Nandi from English and Kiswahili languages. Our study found out that Natural Generative Phonology theory was adequate in the analysis and explanation of phonological, as well as morphological processes involved in the adaptation of loan words in Nandi from English and Kiswahili.