A Systematic Description of Imbrication in Nyakyusa

Abstract

This paper offers a systematic description of imbrication in Nyakyusa (M31). The review of literature indicates that, in Nyakyusa, imbrication, a phonological change involving the opaque difference between the input and output forms in -ile suffix, has not been systematically described. It offers this description by identifying triggering conditions and reconstructing the phonological processes shaping imbrication. Data for this paper were collected in Kyela District through a review of written texts, narrative stories, observation and interviews. The findings indicate that the size and syllable structure of the verb are the main determinants of imbrication in Nyakyusa. Quite obviously the process of imbrication involves deletion of the consonant in -ile, followed by metathesis whereby the last consonant of the stem fills the empty slot caused by the deletion of [l]. Then various adjustments that follow i.e. vowel coalescence, vowel deletion, vowel raising, leftward spread of vowel and vowel lengthening are meant to resolve hiatus. The paper concludes that, based on the review of literature, although imbrication is common in some Bantu languages, we noted some conditions and phonological processes shaping imbrication to be language specific. In this view, this paper recommends a systematic comparative description of imbrication in Bantu languages.http://doi.org/10.56279/jk.v86i1.2