A socio-linguistics Analysis of Semantic Changes in Sukuma Loanwords from Kiswahili Language

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to account for the semantic changes of Swahili loanwords in
Kisukuma language. The reason behind this analysis is that the existing studies have touched this topic
not deeply, hence offering curtailed explanations of the phenomenon. Cognitive Grammar and
Assimilation theory were used as the basis of analysis in the study. The former assumes that lexemes
are not stable, thus they can have both core and peripheral senses while the latter assumes that the
two different elements tend to get assimilated into the related elements. The study used a case study
design whereby Sukuma language was the case. Four Sukuma informants from Ngudu District in
Mwanza Region, Tanzania were selected purposively as they speak Kisukuma fluently. Then, fifty
Swahili lexemes loaned to Kisukuma were collected. Semi-structured interviews, observations,
introspection and critical documentary analysis were used as instruments for data. The study revealed
that the Swahili loanwords in Kisukuma have undergone semantic changes technically known as
generalization, specialization and shifting. Based on the findings, the study provided certain
conclusions and corresponding recommendations.