Linguistics Research Papers/Topics

Genealogical reconstruction of the proto -luluhyia language

A genealogical reconstruction of any language is geared towards the formulation of a protolanguage. The reconstruction of a target language is largely dependent on the current use of its presumed varieties or dialects. In this case, the genealogical reconstruction of the ProtoLuluhyia language was possible through consideration of its dialects. The existing literature shows that genealogical reconstruction of a proto-language for all Luluhyia dialects had not been done. It was, therefore, nec...

Socio- cultural influence on learners’ English vocabulary development in selected secondary schools in lower Nyokal division, Homa- bay town sub- county, Kenya

Abstract/Overview Vocabulary is widely considered as one of the most essential elements of a language. It plays a pivotal role in determining whether or not learners will communicate in a language they have learnt successfully. Extensive knowledge of English vocabulary is believed to be important for the four macro skills thus; reading, listening, speaking and writing. In fact, our lack of English vocabulary knowledge is more likely to result in great difficulty in expressing ourselves both ...

Linguistic naturalization of the English premier league football discourse by Radio jambo, Kenya

Abstract/Overview Cameron (2001) argues that linguistic forms can be manipulated to suit context and serve intended purposes. Although there is evidence of widespread coverage of proceedings of the English Premier League ( EPL) by media in Kenya and Kenyan football fans‟ deep interest in the EPL, few studies analysing how the Kenyan media presents the proceedings in the EPL have been done. This study focuses on linguistic features employed by Radio Jambo presenters in their presentation of...

A syntactic interpretation of ambiguous Dholuo long distance anaphors

Abstract/Overview Anaphors refer to expressions that are not capable of independent reference or meaning and cannot be used deictically. The Binding theory (BT), a sub-theory of the Government and Binding (GB) theory states that Condition A requires that an anaphor should find an antecedent in a local domain, while Condition B requires that a pronominal should be free within the same clause. Long-distance anaphors (LDAs) are found outside the local domain, where they are ambiguous and theref...

Assessment of reading skills development in public secondary schools in Emuhaya district, Kenya

Abstract/Overview The significance of reading skills in the development of English as a second language cannot be underrated. The Kenyan secondary schools curriculum for English requires a student to have developed competence in reading skills by the time they sit for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations at form four. However, some students do not meet the standards which are required by the Kenyan secondary schools English curriculum even though they have done the fourth fo...

Linguistic features of in-group language among construction workers in Gem sub-county, Kenya

Abstract/Overview Communication is the essence of human interaction. The nature of communication is dependent on interaction between two or more individuals. Construction sites in Gem sub-County, Kenya bring together a variety of people of diverse interests, lifestyles and specializations. Construction workers engage in communication processes which exhibit diversity, since they apparently have a specific language for the in-group which is explicitly understood by themselves to the exclusion...

A comparative analysis of conceptual metaphors and metonymies of love in selected dholuo benga songs by Ochieng Kabaselle and Atomi Sifa

Abstract/Overview One of the ways in which people communicate in a society is through songs. Benga music is a genre of Kenyan popular music. Dholuo benga love songs have been in existence from 1960s to date. Aspects of language, like metaphors, usually vary over time due to external and internal influences on a speech community. The different linguistic expressions of love in Dholuo benga love songs are evidence of various conceptualizations of love over time by the benga artistes. Language ...

A lexico – semantic analysis of selected obituaries in the daily nation newspaper

Abstract/Overview Death has been argued to be a “fear-based taboo” in which different fears co-exist namely; fear of the loss of loved ones, fear of corruption of the body, fear of evil spirits and fear of what comes with death. Man has traditionally avoided talking about the subject of death using explicit terms. Their avoidance to speak freely about human mortality may be making obituary writers to resort to a variety of linguistic devices in order to compliment the departed and show r...

Lexico-pragmatic interpretation of conflict management in the 2013 Kenyan presidential campaign speeches in Tarakwa, Uasin Gishu, Kenya

Abstract/Overview ABSTRACT Kenya’s elections have been marred with conflict since 1992, with Tarakwa being hit the most. However, in 2013, conflict was contained. While conflict management in 2013 was attributed to many factors, the role of language is tacit. The present study illuminated the relationship between language, conflict management and Kenya’s 2013 presidential elections. The aim of the study was to analyze the lexico-pragmatic interpretation of conflict management in 2013 Ken...

An Assessment of Lunyore vitality in multilingual. Maseno Division, Kenya

Abstract/Overview Lunyore is a Luhyia dialect spoken by Banyore people who live in Emuhaya District in Vihiga County and Maseno Division in Kisumu County. Maseno Division is a multilingual area where a range of languages are spoken. On one hand, Kiswahili and English are used as national and official languages respectively. On the other hand, are Dholuo and Lunyore that serve as mother tongues. Language choice and maintenance has become a common phenomenon in intercultural settings. Bilingua...

Image Schemas in Metaphors of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lukabaras

Abstract Kenyan secondary schools, student conflicts pose significant challenges in the 21st century. This study aimed to evaluate the structure and functions of student councils in secondary schools in Kericho County, Kenya, based on the functionalism theory.The evaluation research design was employed, targeting students, teachers, and schoolprincipals, school boards of management, County director of education, and sub-county directors of education in Kericho County. A combination of probab...

Feature correspondence amongst Dholuo coronals

Abstract/Overview This paper discusses the nature of correspondence amongst Dholuo coronals. This can be approached in two ways, either as feature spreading or feature agreement which seem to be controversial in literature. Dholuo coronal harmony involves action at a distance; it spans over vowels and/or consonants. Data reveals that features affected are non contiguous and therefore only the targeted elements are affected. The fact that coronal harmony affects non-local segments rules ou...

Aspects of Dholuo coronal harmony

Abstract/Overview Coronal harmony in Dholuo refers to the co- occurrence restriction on dental and alveolar obstruents and nasals. The purpose of this paper is to describe and explain coronal harmony as it manifests in Dholuo. This involves an examination of the phonetic and phonological properties that define coronal harmony in Dholuo. In an Optimality Theory account of coronal harmony in Dholuo, the paper adapts Rose and Walker (2004) surface correspondence constraints CORR-T↔T which ...

Image schemas in political discourse in Kenya

Abstract/Overview The study of conceptual interaction has attracted the attention of many scholars in Cognitive Linguistics. Primarily, the analysis has focused on the role of image schemas in the construction of metaphors. This study explores the PATH image- schema and the role it plays in conceptual formation of metaphors in political discourse in Kenya. It presents the PATH image-schema and the subsidiary image schemas it activates in metaphors of politics in Kenya. The study’s aim i...

The Effect of Revitalization of Indigenous Language on Preservation of African Culture: A Case of Terik Language in Terik Ward, Nandi South Sub County, Kenya

Abstract/Overview The purpose of this sociolinguistic study was to investigate the effect of revitalization of indigenous language on preservation of African culture, a case of Terik language in Terik ward, Nandi south sub county, Terik Language is an indigenous language in Kenya that is spoken by Terik people of Nandi South, Terik language is seriously endangered and it’s at a risk of extinction thus endangering Terik culture. The study aimed to determine the evidence and nature of Ter...


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