The Syllable In Tshivenḓa And Xitsonga

Main Article Content

Moffat Sebola , Sikheto Joe Kubayi (Corresponding author)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to unpack the internal structure of syllables in two mutually unintelligible languages, namely, Tshivenḓa and Xitsonga. The study finds that the analysis of the syllable in both languages permit many structural patterns; and that the syllable, which has no coda in the two languages, normally begins with one or more consonants, and terminates with a vowel, which serves as the nucleus.  The structure of the syllable generally assumes the CV representation, which occurs freely in both languages, and which can be broken up by vowel insertion and glide formation. Moreover, Tshivenḓa accommodates a cluster of consonants at word-initial position, but consonants in Xitsonga occur in both word-initial and word-final positions. Finally, it is recommended, among others, that future studies should pay attention to syllabic patterning and other related issues in Bantu languages.

Article Details

Section
Articles