Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)
under embargo until 2026-01-31
2026-01-31T00:00:00Z
Like other Bantu languages, Kîîtharaka (Guthrie E54, Central Kenya Bantu) allows indexing the object on the verb by inserting an object prefix in front of the verb stem. Object marking is...Show moreLike other Bantu languages, Kîîtharaka (Guthrie E54, Central Kenya Bantu) allows indexing the object on the verb by inserting an object prefix in front of the verb stem. Object marking is prohibited in case of an overt object. However, if the object is dislocated, this marker sometimes occurs obligatorily, while in other cases, it is prohibited. Hence, Kîîtharaka poses a classical case for differential object marking (DOM). The main outcome of this thesis is the finding that a complex interplay of a variety of factors is responsible for differential object marking in Kîîth araka. These factors include cross-linguistically well-known triggers for DOM such as animacy and accessibility, but also lesser-known factors such as predicate class and verum. In addition to proposing a hierarchy according to which the established factors apply, individuation is given as a possible theoretical explanation to account for the diversity of factors found.Show less
Research master thesis | Linguistics (research) (MA)
open access
This thesis aims to describe the noun class system and its interaction with semantics in the Tanzanian Bantu language Kimbugwe (ISO 639-3). This thesis adds to the existing literature on Kimbugwe,...Show moreThis thesis aims to describe the noun class system and its interaction with semantics in the Tanzanian Bantu language Kimbugwe (ISO 639-3). This thesis adds to the existing literature on Kimbugwe, but also has typological value, and shows the linguistic diversity of the area the language is spoken in. The main research question of the thesis is; ‘How does the noun class system of Kimbugwe interact with semantics?’. The thesis shows that the noun class system interacts with semantics on a lexical level, through the inherent semantics of the noun classes, on a morphological level, through the derivational semantics of the noun classes, and on a syntactic level, through the semantic agreement of the noun classes.Show less
The Taita Hills in Southern Kenya are a culturally and linguistically interesting location. Previous linguistic research has shown that even though only Bantu languages are spoken in the area,...Show moreThe Taita Hills in Southern Kenya are a culturally and linguistically interesting location. Previous linguistic research has shown that even though only Bantu languages are spoken in the area, there might have been Southern Cushitic habitation in the past. Taita Bantu words that resemble Cushitic words might be loanwords that were borrowed in a past period of language contact. This idea of extinct Southern Cushitic languages in the Taita Hills was proposed by Christopher Ehret and Derek Nurse in 1981. This thesis aims to critically review their article “The Taita Cushites”. Several tables with proposed Southern Cushitic loanwords in the Taita Bantu languages are included in the article. By reviewing 41 of these proposed loanwords, the accuracy of the article’s conclusions will be tested. New data is available on the Southern Cushitic and Bantu languages of East Africa that was not present yet in 1981. Using this data, new insights in the existence of the Taita Cushitic language(s) could be gained.Show less
This thesis describes ideophones in the Bantu language Kikamba (E55). The concept of ideophones and iconicity in (African) linguistics is introduced and a typological overview of Kamba is given. A...Show moreThis thesis describes ideophones in the Bantu language Kikamba (E55). The concept of ideophones and iconicity in (African) linguistics is introduced and a typological overview of Kamba is given. A description of the Kamba ideophone is provided, as well as semantic descriptions and example sentences. Moreover, findings on phonology, syntax, and the implicational hierarchy (Dingemanse 2012) are presented.Show less
This thesis is about the possessive constructions in Kiroba, which is a Bantu language spoken in the Mara region in Tanzania. The attributive possessive constructions consists of the associative...Show moreThis thesis is about the possessive constructions in Kiroba, which is a Bantu language spoken in the Mara region in Tanzania. The attributive possessive constructions consists of the associative and/or the possessive pronouns. The associative forms are made by the associative stem -a and the pronominal prefixes. Possessive pronouns consists of a prefix which agrees with the possessed noun and a stem which refers to the possessor. I divided the possessive pronouns into two groups: the personal possessive pronouns and the nonpersonal possessive pronouns. I made this division because in many Bantu languages the paradigms of possessive pronouns is reduced to only the personal possessive pronouns. The predicative possessive construction consist of the possessor noun, the copula verb, the word na ‘with’, and the possessed noun. The most remarkable and uncommon feature of the possessive constructions in Kiroba is that Kiroba has the whole paradigm of possessive pronouns: the personal and nonpersonal possessive pronouns.Show less
This thesis will provide a basic phonology and orthography of Bano’o. Bano’o is one of three dialects that are part of Batanga. Bano’o is spoken along the south-west coast of Cameroon. The first...Show moreThis thesis will provide a basic phonology and orthography of Bano’o. Bano’o is one of three dialects that are part of Batanga. Bano’o is spoken along the south-west coast of Cameroon. The first section of this thesis describes the process of data collection. Following the data collection, the thesis will present a basic phonology of Bano’o, with focus on vowels, consonants and tone. Subsequently the thesis will concentrate on syllable and word structure. The last part of the thesis contains a brief orthography of the language.Show less
