Analyzing Sound Patterns An Introduction to Phonology

This problem requires an essay response. Examine the problem carefully and pay close attention to the instructions given. This problem is related to Chapter 1. Read and review this chapter before attempting this problem. You are strongly encouraged to work with others in solving the problem. But write the response on your own.

The data we examined in Chapter 1 come exclusively from the bi-syllabic verb roots in Kikuyu. On the basis of these data, we concluded that Kikuyu imposes restrictions on the co-occurrence of vowels such that two types of mid vowels do not mix in bi-syllabic roots, with one exception. The purpose of this problem is to encourage you to compare the bi-syllabic verb roots with the data in (I) and (II) and to identify whether there is any relation between them. The data in (I) and (II) differ from bi-syllabic roots in that they consist of a mono-syllabic verb root – CVC or VC – followed by an extension suffix -VC. So while V1 belongs to the root, V2 is part of the suffix. In Kikuyu, the extension suffix -ek/-εk expresses susceptibility or potentiality. For instance, the stem haat-a means ‘sweep.’ The stem with -ek/-εk, haat-ek-a, means ‘sweepable’ or ‘be swept.’ The suffix -o r/- ɔ r marks reversiveness. Its meaning is similar to that of the English prefix un- in un-tie or un-do.