Arguments for a Cluster Analysis of Nasal Consonant Sequences of Sukwa

Abstract

Bantu language scholars, have among other things, debated over the issue of whether nasal and consonant sequences (NC sequences) in various Bantu languages should be considered as clusters or single segments (prenasalised stops). This paper examines these sequences as they occur in Sukwa nouns. Sukwa is a Bantu language spoken in Chitipa district in the northern region of Malawi and classified by Guthrie as belonging to Zone M. Data was collected from three Sukwa speakers and involved digital recording and structured interviews. The interview contained a list of words which were divided into varying sections concerning kinship terms, food, animals, body parts, and plants and also had phrasal patterns and varying verbal constructions. The participants were asked to translate the list of words and sentences in the questionnaire from Chichewa (the language understood by both the researcher and the participants). The paper argues that NC sequences in Sukwa should be analysed as clusters. The arguments for the cluster analysis are mainly based on distribution patterns and certain phonological processes that occur in the language which can only be accounted for if a cluster analysis is adopted.

Keywords: nasal consonant sequence, cluster, unit segment, distribution patterns, phonological process, Malawi