An analysis of the Syllable Structure of Kikamba Nouns

Abstract

This paper analyses the syllable within the framework of phonology. The syllable is a central prosodic feature in phonology and phonological processes occur within it. However, languages differ with respect to phonotactic constraints that control their syllable structure. Therefore, this paper considers Kikamba language to have unique principles of syllabification that need to be explored. This paper applies the theory of Generative CV-phonology model that was built upon Kahn's (1976) and (Clements & Keyser, 1983). The study focused on the syllable structure of Kikamba Nouns. The study employed descriptive research design. A sample size of 50 participants was used as respondents in the study. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants. The data was collected through natural observation and interviews. The data was analyzed qualitatively. The study found that the syllable structure of Kikamba nouns has four syllable structures, that is, CV, V, CV and CCV. This study makes significant contribution to theoretical studies of phonetics and phonology by exploring how the phonotactic constraints in Kikamba language lead to organization of words.