Classification of Kibena dialects using Morphosyntactic parameters

This study was about classification of kibena dialects using morphosyntactic parameters. The morphosyntactic parameters involved were noun classes, agreement marking relative marking, tense–aspect and negation. The study was guided by the Bantu Divergence Convergence Theory (B C D) and the cousin versus Distant Cousin Linguistic Hypothesis. The study was undertaken in three regions in Tanzania where native speakers of the language were found Njombe, Ruvuma and Morogoro Regions. The study areas were subdivided into 10 zones marked with letters A –K (excluding 1). Data collection involved 110 informants and was carried out using four instruments reverse transpiration elicitation, review elicitation, focus group discussion and all texts. The findings show that 9 zones with exception of zone K revealed close relationship with one another in: noun classes agreement marking system and relative marking system. It is concluded that firstly, there are two main dialects of Kibena highland Dialect (9 zones) and Lowland Dialect (zone K). The difference emanates from historical and geographical reasons. Secondly, among the remaining 9 zones,8 zones ( A,B,C,D,E,F,G, and H ) were progressively converging into one dialect; zone J was on the process to develop into different dialectical whereas zone K had diverged into independent dialect. Thirdly, there was a dialectical continuum through the chain of manual intelligibility across Kibena dialects. Lastly, dialects found in peripheral were more vulnerable to influence by other languages. It is recommended that for comprehensive dialectological studies especially of Bantu languages both linguistic factors are worth to be involved.