PhD Theses

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Aspects of Ki-Bena phonology: the case of Ki-Mavemba variety
(University of Dar es Salaam, 1989) Chaula, Egidio H. Y
This study examines some phonological aspects of the Ki-Bena language, taking Ki-Mavemba variety as a case study. The study is organized in five chapters. Chapter one introduces the problem area. It shows the geographical location of Ki-Bena with its main varieties (dialects). Further, the significance and scope of the study are also stated here. In addition, the literature review reveals that this language has been less studied. In fact, some of the varieties, Ki-Mavemba included, have not been studied at all; thus, remaining undescribed. The theoretical framework adopted (i.e. generative phonology GP) is also briefly discussed here. The sound system of Ki-Mavemba is examined in Chapter Two. The sound inventory, the phonemes as well as the morpheme structure conditions are identified. The study reveals that this sound system is typically Bantu. The phonological processes affecting vowels are examined in Chapter Four. The study reveals that these processes are natural and take place in order to accommodate the phonetic an morpheme structure conditions of the language. Further, the study reveals that processes take place at morpheme/word boundaries. Chapter Five summarises the findings and concludes that although the findings have widened our knowledge on the phonology of Ki-Bena, it is not exhaustive, therefore more research is required.