The process of "borrowing" in linguistics, also known as the incorporation of "loan words," is a universal phenomenon that occurs when two languages or dialects come into contact. In such interactions, words are typically taken from the dominant or "master's" language by the language spoken by those who perceive themselves to be in a weaker position. In the context discussed here, the master's language is English, and the language in a perceived weaker position is IciBemba, a Bantu language widely spoken in Zambia. The findings shed light on the intricate processes involved in the linguistic assimilation of loanwords and contribute to a deeper understanding of language contact phenomena between English and IciBemba.
IciBemba has undergone substantial lexical enrichment through the assimilation of loanwords from English. This paper explores the strategies employed in integrating English loanwords into the IciBemba vocabulary. The data for this study were collected from various sources, including books, public gatherings, and fieldwork conducted in Kasama, Northern Province.
The theoretical frameworks guiding this exploration are the Theory of Constraint and Repair Strategy (TCRS) proposed by Paradis and Lacharité (1997) and Assimilation Theory articulated by McMahon (1994), Campbell (1998), and Winford (2003). These frameworks provide insights into the phonological and morphological modifications and processes that loanwords undergo when integrated into the IciBemba language.
Table of Contents
- 1. Assignment of English Loanwords to IciBemba Noun Classes
- 2. Criteria for Assigning Loanwords to Noun Classes
- 2.1 Assignments of IciBemba Loanwords to a Zero Prefix Class
- 2.2 Phonological Assignment
- 2.3 Semantic Assignment
- 2.3.1 Semantic Assignment of IciBemba Loanwords from English
- 2.3.1.1 Classes 1/2
- 2.3.1.2 Classes 3/4
- 2.3.1.3 Classes 5/6
- 2.3.1.4 Classes 7/8
- 2.3.1.5 Classes 9/10
- 2.3.1.6 Class 11
- 2.3.1.7 Classes 12/13
- 2.3.1.8 Class 14
- 2.3.1.9 Class 15
- 2.3.1.10 Locatives
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the strategies used to integrate English loanwords into the IciBemba vocabulary. It aims to analyze the criteria governing the assignment of these loanwords to IciBemba noun classes.
- Integration of English loanwords into IciBemba.
- Criteria for assigning loanwords to IciBemba noun classes (zero prefix, phonological, and semantic).
- Morphological and phonological adaptations of English loanwords in IciBemba.
- The role of the Theory of Constraint and Repair Strategy (TCRS) and Assimilation Theory in explaining loanword integration.
- Analysis of IciBemba noun class system and its application to loanwords.
Chapter Summaries
1. Assignment of English Loanwords to IciBemba Noun Classes: This chapter introduces the Bantu noun classification system in IciBemba, highlighting its significance in the language's structure and typology. It explains the Bleek-Meinhof system used for classifying nouns based on morphology, syntax, and semantics, focusing on the morphological and semantic criteria relevant to this study. The chapter emphasizes the importance of the noun class system in Bantu languages and its role in classifying nominal roots within IciBemba's 15 noun classes and 3 locatives. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities of integrating loanwords into this established system.
2. Criteria for Assigning Loanwords to Noun Classes: This chapter details the three main criteria for assigning English loanwords to IciBemba noun classes: zero prefix, phonological, and semantic assignment. Each criterion is explored in detail in subsequent subchapters. The chapter provides a framework for understanding how the seemingly arbitrary placement of loanwords is in fact governed by predictable rules based on sound patterns, meaning, and the presence or absence of prefixes. It sets the stage for a comprehensive investigation into each of these criteria and their impact on the structure of IciBemba.
Keywords
Loanwords, IciBemba, noun classes, zero prefix, phonological assignment, semantic assignment, Bantu languages, morphology, phonology, language contact, assimilation, Theory of Constraint and Repair Strategy (TCRS).
Frequently Asked Questions: Assignment of English Loanwords to IciBemba Noun Classes
What is the overall topic of this paper?
This paper investigates how English loanwords are integrated into the IciBemba language, specifically focusing on the criteria used to assign these loanwords to IciBemba noun classes.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The key themes include the integration of English loanwords into IciBemba; the criteria for assigning loanwords to IciBemba noun classes (zero prefix, phonological, and semantic); morphological and phonological adaptations of English loanwords in IciBemba; the role of the Theory of Constraint and Repair Strategy (TCRS) and Assimilation Theory in explaining loanword integration; and an analysis of the IciBemba noun class system and its application to loanwords.
What are the main chapters and their summaries?
Chapter 1: Assignment of English Loanwords to IciBemba Noun Classes: This chapter introduces the Bantu noun classification system in IciBemba, explaining the Bleek-Meinhof system and its relevance to classifying nouns based on morphology, syntax, and semantics. It emphasizes the importance of the noun class system in Bantu languages and its role in classifying nominal roots within IciBemba's 15 noun classes and 3 locatives.
Chapter 2: Criteria for Assigning Loanwords to Noun Classes: This chapter details the three main criteria for assigning English loanwords to IciBemba noun classes: zero prefix, phonological, and semantic assignment. It explores how these criteria govern the placement of loanwords based on sound patterns, meaning, and the presence or absence of prefixes.
What are the specific criteria used for assigning English loanwords to IciBemba noun classes?
The paper examines three main criteria: zero prefix assignment, phonological assignment, and semantic assignment. Semantic assignment is further broken down by IciBemba noun classes (1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11, 12/13, 14, 15, and locatives).
What linguistic theories are relevant to this study?
The study utilizes the Theory of Constraint and Repair Strategy (TCRS) and Assimilation Theory to explain the integration of loanwords into IciBemba.
What is the structure of the IciBemba noun class system?
The IciBemba noun class system consists of 15 noun classes and 3 locatives. The paper analyzes how English loanwords are integrated into this existing system.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Loanwords, IciBemba, noun classes, zero prefix, phonological assignment, semantic assignment, Bantu languages, morphology, phonology, language contact, assimilation, Theory of Constraint and Repair Strategy (TCRS).
What is the purpose of this language preview?
This language preview provides a comprehensive overview of the paper, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
- Quote paper
- Reuben Chupa Chulu (Author), Kangwa N. Kennedy (Author), 2023, The Dynamics of Language Contact. English Loanwords Assimilation in IciBemba, Zambia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1436579
