Vowel Epenthesis as a Parameter Setting Strategy in Gichuka Loanwords

Abstract

The study of loanwords has played an important role in the development of phonological theories and in cross-linguistic studies in recent years and loanword phonology presents a rich empirical ground for examining any topical question in field of phonology. Loanwords help linguists to find out more about native phonology. This is especially so in studying the role of native phonological contrasts in phonological processes. This study looked at vowel epenthesis as a phonological process used to adapt lexical items borrowed from English to Gichuka. The data was collected in Tharaka-Nithi County using interviews, naturalistic observation and focused group discussions. The sample was based on ten domains namely: education, agriculture, clothing, electrical goods and technology, religion, health, trade and industry, household goods, food and administration. The theory of Government Phonology was used in the data analysis. The results show that vowel epenthesis is a parameter setting strategy in adapting lexical items that Gichuka has borrowed from English. This paper sheds light on the applicability of the theory of Government Phonology in the nativisation of loanwords.

Keywords: Loanword, Government Phonology Theory, Parameter, Vowel Epenthesis.