Lexical relatedness between Kiswahili and Arabic

This study is an attempt to describe the relationship between Arabic loans in Kiswahili and their Arabic counterparts. In particular it describes the phonological, morphological and nemantic aspects of Arabic loans in Swahili and how they are related to their original counterparts in Arabic. The first chapter is a preliminary chapter which sets the scene by stating the problem of the research, objectives and significance of the research and research methodology. Chapter two is a review of related literature on the subject under study together with a summary of the phonological systems of Kiswahili and Arabic. This is necessary because it helps to put into perspective the phonological changes which Arabic loans underwent on being assimilated in Kiswahili. Chapter three and four present and discuss the research data. Chapter five is a presentation and discussion of the research findings. Chapter six ronstitutes a summary of research finding and conclusion