PHONETICS AND THE STYLISTIC APPRECIATION OF A POETIC TEXT: FOCUS ON THE RHYTHM OF KISWAHILI VERSE

Abstract

This paper is based on two assumptions1: The rhythmic effect of a poetic text is inherent in the phonetic structure of the language in question.2: An explicit understanding of the principles governing the speech rhythm of Kiswahili is necessary for an adequate stylistic appreciation of Kiswahili verse.