Distiction between Homonymy and Polysemy in Kimasaku Within Sense Relations Approach
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Date
2013-04-19
Authors
Mulwa, Rufee N.
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Abstract
Thepurposeof this study was to determine the distinction between homonymy and polysemy in
Kimasakuwithin the Sense Relations approach. On the background of the study, we expored the
historyof the Kamba people and their language.This was followed by the research objectives
wherebythe study sought to identify words with multiple meanings and determine which of the
multiplemeanings are related and that which were not. The third objective was to determine the
extentto which Sense Relations Theory is useful in the distinction between homonymy and
polysemy.By looking at the rationale of the study, we explained the importance of the study to
variousgroups like the Ministry of Education, book writers, bible translators and linguists.
Inliteraturereview and theoretical framework, we discussed in indepth perspective homonyms and
polysemes,their distinction and also looked at discussion by other scholars. We also explained
whywesought to use the Sense Relations Theory and not any other theory like the Semantic
theoryor Componential Analysis. On methodology, we chose the descriptive method of the
- qualitativeresearch design. The area of study Was Kangundo District in three locations: Kawethei,
Mbiuniand Matungulu. A Kikamba dictionary by Mwau was the source of words with multiple
meanings.Respondents and a Kikamba - English by Mutisya were also used to provide more
meanings.Samplingprocedures included purposive complemented by systematic random sampling
and snowball. Data collection involved getting words from a dictionary in form of nouns and
verbs,meanings got from the two dictionaries as well as from the respondents. Instruments used
wereaninterview schedule and a pilot survey. Later, interpretation of the data and discussion was
donefollowedby summary of findings. Recommendations and suggestions for further research
weregivenby the researcher.
Description
Department of English & Linguistics, 63 p. The PL 8751 .M84 2012
Keywords
Kamba language --Homonymy, Kamba language --Polysemy | Lexicology