Browsing by Author "Athumani, Jonas Bariki"

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    Lexicostatistical comparison of Ki-bondei, Ki-shambala and Ki-zigula languages
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2012) Athumani, Jonas Bariki
    This study attempted to trace the linguistic history and relationship of Ki-Bondei, Ki-Shambala and Ki-Zigula which are some of the languages spoken in Tanga Region. By using the lexicostatistical method, which uses core vocabulary to determine the degree of genetic relationship, and the comparative method, which identifies phonological innovations for establishing genetic relationship, this study identified the three languages in question as dialects of one language. Lexicostatistically it was found out that the languages under study shared an average of 91% of cognate vocabulary. This is a figure that qualifies to call the languages dialects of one language. It was also discovered that the languages are mutually intelligible and had just separated recently.The dissertation has five chapters. The first chapter is the introduction of the study that gives the background to the problem, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, and the significance of the study.Chapter two presents the review of earlier literature on the same topic of historical and comparative linguistics. The third chapter deals with the theoretical framework and the methods used in data analysis. Chapter four presents the findings and discussions. The discussion was based on the findings of the two methods: lexicostatistics and comparative methods. A comparison of the findings of the two methods was provided. Chapter five concludes the study and offers recommendations on what should be done by future historical and comparative linguists.