The problem of bantu linguistic affiliation: the case of Chasu, Kigweno, Kikahe and Kirombo

This study attempts to establish the linguistic affiliations of Chasu, Kigweno, Kikahe and Kirombo which are some of the Bantu "languages" spoken in Kilimanjaro Region. It was evident that there existed contradictory and opposing historical and linguistic views about the above mentioned languages. In fact, the conclusions made by earlier researchers called for more research so as to resolve the contradictions found in the earlier genetic classifications. By using two methods: the Quantitative Evaluation Method which employs basic core vocabulary to determine the degree of genetic relationship, and the Comparative Method which identifies phonological innovations to establish genetic relationship, this study assigned the languages in question to three groups. The first one, is the immediate group, which includes Kigweno and Kikahe. They are most closely related languages in this study. The second group is the intermediate, which includes the Chagga languages - Kigweno, Kikahe and Kirombo. The third is the ultimate group, having only one member - Chasu. This language is not closely related to the Chagga languages except in respect to "Bantuness and Easternness". This dissertation is organized into five chapters. The first chapter is the introduction. It is concerned with background to the problem, statement of the problem, objectives and significance as well as the research procedure. The second chapter deals with the review of relevant literature. The third chapter is concerned with the theoretical framework and the methods used in data analysis. Chapter four presents the findings and discussion. Here a comparison of the findings of two methods is provided. Chapter five is the conclusion.