A Systematic Description of Imbrication in Nyakyusa

Abstract

This paper offers a systematic description of imbrication in Nyakyusa (M31). The review of the literature indicates that, in Nyakyusa, imbrication, a phonological change involving the opaque difference between the input and output forms in the -ile suffix, has not been systematically described. Hence, the paper offers this description by identifying triggering conditions and reconstructing the  phonological processes shaping imbrication. Data for this paper were collected in Kyela district through a review of written texts,  narrative stories, observation and interviews. The findings indicate that the syllable structure of the verb is the main determinant of  imbrication in Nyakyusa. Quite obviously, the process of imbrication involves the deletion of the consonant in the -ile, followed by  metathesis whereby the last consonant of the stem fills the empty slot caused by the deletion of [l]. Then, various adjustments that  follow, i.e., vowel coalescence, vowel deletion, vowel rising, leftward spread of vowel, and vowel lengthening, are meant to resolve hiatus.  The paper concludes that, based on the review of literature, although imbrication is common in some Bantu languages, we noted some  conditions and phonological processes shaping imbrication to be language specific. In this view, this paper recommends a systematic   comparative description of imbrication in other Bantu languages.