Analyses Of Kimeru Word Formation Processes in Three Fraternity Groups in Meru Speech Community.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate Kimeru word formation processes in three fraternity groups in Meru linguistic community. Sample was drawn from core, central and interloper speakers of the Meru speech community comprising firstly; youth, the UN, defines 'youth', as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years. In Africa youth refers to persons aged between 15 years and 35 years and were the ones studied in this study. Secondly; middle age, middle age is the period of age beyond young adulthood but before the onset of old age. This study defined middle age as years between 40 years and 55 years. Finally; elders or old age, most Britons define old age as starting at 59 years. The present study defined old age as years between 55 years and above. The respondents were selected using the judgmental sampling procedure. Linguistic theory was used to study the data. The findings of the study were elicited using tape recorded interviews on Kimeru word formation processes. The data for the study was represented both qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the study show the knowledge of Kimeru words formation processes varied according to the degree to which the respondents live their livesin Kimeru Language.