School of Languages, Literature and Communication (SLLC) Collections
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
1 - 5 of 181
-
ItemPhonotactic constraints in Runyankore syllable consonant clustering(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigated the phonotactic constraints of consonant clustering in Runyankore syllable structure. Runyankore is among the over 40 indigenous languages spoken in Uganda. It falls under the Bantu language family. Languages have different constraints or restrictions that affect the consonant combinations that appear in their syllables and because of these differences; a person cannot tell whether the sound combinations which are permissible in one language are also possible in the other. The main target of this study was to investigate the phonotactic constraints that determine syllable consonant clustering in Runyankore. The aim of this study was to identify different consonant clusters in Runyankore syllables, to categorize them and to describe the phonotactic constraints which determine the combining of consonant members in a cluster. The study was based on the Sonority Sequencing Principle (SSP) and the Minimal Sonority Distance Principle (MSDP); a framework which centers on the sonority status of the consonant members in a cluster. The study required data in form of syllables from Runyankore words and this data was obtained from reference materials and through elicitation method. The consonant clusters that were identified from Runyankore words were analysed by categorising them and explaining the mechanisms that lead to clustering in Runyankore. One of major findings is that the Runyankore syllable onset can have a maximum of three consonants in a cluster. In addition, a three consonant cluster in the structure CCCV must have the third consonant as a glide because of the sonority status of the participating consonant members. Glides have higher sonority and thus appear next to the nucleus sound. Regarding phonotactic constraints, it was found out that a cluster of two-member consonants is dependent on sonority, similarity, voice and place of articulation of the sound members. The study provides an analysis of these phonotactics and restrictions on onset clusters that makes reference to the SSP and MSDP. The study will contribute to linguistic practice basically to teachers and learners in Runyankore teaching and learning, lexicographers, dictionary writers and corpus linguists when finding data on sound patterns in Runyankore. The study points to further areas of study including comparative phonotactic analysis with related Bantu languages, morpho-phonological influences on consonant clustering, sociolinguistic variation in phonotactic realization and computational modeling of phonotactic constraints.
-
ItemAnalysis of lexical and phonological variations in contemporary Lusoga(Makerere University, 2025)The study focused on analysing lexical and phonological variations in contemporary Lusoga. Its primary aim was to investigate the nature and extent of these variations in spoken Lusoga. Specifically, it identified and categorised the lexical and phonological differences present in contemporary Lusoga, while also examining the linguistic and contextual factors contributing to their existence. Research was conducted among native Lusoga speakers across three districts in the Busoga region: Iganga, Luwuka, and Kamuli. Districts such as Jinja, Mayuge, Kaliro, and Namayingo were excluded due to their mixed tribal populations and multilingualism resulting from migration. The study employed descriptive and comparative research designs to identify, categorise, and analyse lexical variations and their causes. Qualitative data were gathered through questionnaires aimed at sociolinguistic categorisation of respondent variables, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, word lists, and key informant interviews. These methods targeted native Lusoga speakers from diverse age groups and dialectal backgrounds. The study was grounded in linguistic variation theory, particularly the first wave pioneered by William Labov (1963 & 1969), which emphasises documenting language variation and change within communities. Findings revealed numerous lexical and phonological variations in contemporary Lusoga, influenced by factors such as language contact and borrowing, migration, economic activity, occupation, age group, and education. The research contributed to a deeper appreciation of linguistic diversity among Lusoga speakers, promoting unity and pride. It also provided valuable resources for authors of Lusoga educational materials and textbooks, such as dictionaries, and established a foundational framework for further research in sociolinguistics, dialectology, and language preservation. Keywords: Lexical and phonological variations
-
ItemThe expression of evidentiality in Runyankore-Rukiga(Makerere University, 2025)This study is a typological investigation of evidentiality, the linguistic encoding of information source, in Runyankore-Rukiga (RR), a Bantu language spoken in south-western Uganda. Guided by Aikhenvald’s (2004) typology, the research explores the semantic, pragmatic, and grammatical aspects of evidentiality in RR, focusing on how the language encodes sources of information, the various categories of information source present in the language and the additional functions that evidential markers or strategies in Runyankore-Rukiga may serve beyond simply indicating information source. Using an observational descriptive methodology, characteristic of typological studies, the research draws on naturally occurring data, supported by elicitation from native speakers and text analysis. The findings reveal that, like most Bantu languages, RR lacks grammaticalized evidential markers but utilizes a range of lexical and grammatical strategies to express information source. Lexical items include perception verbs such as -reeb ‘see’, -hurir ‘hear/feel’, -huumur ‘smell (pleasant)’, as well as speech and cognition verbs like -gir ‘say/tell/think’ and -gamba ‘tell’, which convey direct perception, reported speech, or inferred knowledge. On the grammatical side, evidential meanings are often expressed through tense and aspect, particularly through the use of certain past and progressive forms. For instance, the verb ba ‘be’ in specific past constructions can indicate information acquired indirectly or inferentially. These evidential strategies frequently serve additional functions, including the expression of modality, temporality, and speaker attitude, reflecting the multifunctionality of evidentiality in RR. Overall, this study contributes to typological understandings of evidential systems by showing how RR encodes information source through flexible and overlapping linguistic means, while also addressing the underrepresentation of evidentiality in African language studies.
-
ItemThe syllable structure of Ruruuli-Lunyala(Makerere University, 2025)This study investigates the syllable structure of R-L focusing on describing its syllable patterns, their frequency and distribution in R-L verbs and nouns. It also focuses on the changes in syllable patterns of verbs and nouns as well as the processes that underlie such changes. The rationale for this study stems from the need to document and analyse R-L’s phonological structure especially its syllable structure and how it changes in morphophonological contexts. The study on syllable structure and syllable pattern change in different contexts in lesser-known Bantu languages in Uganda and beyond. A Generative CV Phonology theory that organises the syllable structure in a multitiered hierarchical model comprising the syllable node, a CV tier and a segmental tier works as the theoretical foundation for the analysis of syllable patterns of R-L and how these patterns change in context. The study employs a secondary data collection method with the Ruruuli-Lunyala dictionary as a secondary data source for word tokens used to analyse the syllable structure of this language. The findings of the study reveal the CV correlate with the general Bantu theory that attests the CV as the universal syllable structure (Odden, 2015). Ruruuli-Lunyala also portrays complex syllable structure formation, with CGVV an NCGVV structures present. The lack of underlying geminates in R-L was also evident, with the identified CCV and CCVV syllables being born of morphological processes and borrowing. The study further reveals the presence of dissimilar vowel sequences in R-L which are both heterosyllabic and tautosyllabic depending on the word position they occur. In addition, the study reveals gliding, segmental deletion, compensatory lengthening and imbrication as mainly responsible for the syllable pattern changes in R-L. This study is relevant to Bantu phonological theory by navigating the interplay of morphophonological contexts in shaping the syllable structure and syllable pattern changes in R-L, a less-described Bantu language of Uganda.
-
ItemTerminological enrichment of Luganda in the field of agriculture(Makerere University, 2025)This study aimed at empowering Luganda terminologically in the field of agriculture. Utilizing a blend of the Community-Based Terminology Model (CBTM) (Namyalo, 2019) and the Logical Thinking of a Terminological Elaborator (LTTEM) (Namyalo, 2022) intertwined with PEGITOSCA (Kiingi, 1998), a mnemonic reformulation of designating principles which stand for Precision, Economy, Generativity, Internationality, Transparency, Anti–Obscenity (objectivity), Systematicity, Clarity, and Acceptability, the existing terms used in agriculture by the farmers in Mpigi District were streamlined. For the terms that were non-existent in Luganda but commonly used in English, their equivalents were coined and tested for appropriateness and acceptability among the farmers and agricultural extension officers. This was intended to ensure that these terms are PEGITOSCA-compliant. To strengthen Luganda’s capacity to express agricultural knowledge, the research assessed existing terminology and identified lexical gaps that limit communication in the field. A total of 209 English agricultural terms were sourced from Black's Dictionary of Agriculture (2016) and compared with Luganda equivalents. Interviews with local farmers documented the terms they commonly use, resulting in 137 Luganda terms matching English agricultural concepts, showcasing the richness of local vocabulary. However, 72 English terms lacked direct Luganda equivalents, highlighting the need for further terminology development. The study also evaluated how well current Luganda terms address agricultural concepts and meet farmers' needs. The findings revealed that farmers effectively use Luganda terms, often with multiple translations for a single English concept, such as five Luganda equivalents for "prune," tailored to specific contexts. While this demonstrates flexibility, it also underscores the potential for confusion without standardization. Categorizing frequently used terms into conceptual clusters reflected how farmers naturally organize agricultural knowledge. The identified Luganda terms were assessed against the PEGITOSCA principles, which involve Precision, Economy, Generativity, Internationality, Transparency, Anti-Obscenity, Systematicity, Clarity, and Acceptability. The analysis showed that the collected terms generally met these criteria, indicating they were clear and meaningful for Luganda speakers. For instance, okulima (cultivate) conveyed precise actions without ambiguity. However, all terms lacked "Internationality," meaning they were not widely recognized beyond Luganda-speaking communities.The newly proposed Luganda agricultural terms were tested for acceptance among local users. Interviews with twelve participants showed that most of the 72 terms were clear, easy to understand, and suitable for use, with 21 terms scoring a perfect 8 out of 8 and being ranked as Highly Acceptable. Another 25 terms were rated Acceptable, while 18 were seen as Fairly Acceptable but needing some improvement. Only 8 terms received low scores and were rated Minimally Acceptable, yet still usable with revisions. None of the terms were rejected entirely. Lastly, Luganda has a strong foundation for agricultural vocabulary but requires additional terms to address modern and technical concepts fully. The identified gaps present an opportunity to develop culturally relevant terms that are accessible to farmers. Expanding and refining Luganda’s agricultural vocabulary is crucial for improving communication and enabling farmers to engage effectively with both traditional and modern agricultural practices.