Vowel Epenthesis as A Parameter Setting Strategy in Gichuka Loanwords.

Abstract

Natural languages undergo changes at the phonological, morphological, lexical, grammatical and semantic levels. It is realised easily at lexical level occasioned by lexical borrowing. The study of loanwords has played an important role in the development of phonological theories and in cross-linguistic studies in recent years. Loanword phonology presents a rich empirical ground for examining topical question in phonology. Loanwords help linguists find more about native phonology, especially so in studying the role of native phonological contrasts in phonological processes. This study looked at vowel epenthesis as a phonological process used to adapt lexical items borrowed from English to Gichuka. The data were collected in Tharaka-Nithi County using interviews, observation and focused group discussions. The sample was based on 10 domains namely: education, agriculture, clothing, electrical goods and technology, religion, health, trade and industry, household goods, food and administration. The theory of Government Phonology was used in data analysis. The processes of vowel epenthesis in Gichuka loanwords can be explained using branching structure and domain-final empty nuclei. Vowel epenthesis is a parameter setting strategy in adapting lexical items that Gichuka has borrowed from English. Applicability of the theory of Government Phonology in the nativisation of loanwords will be reported.