Browsing by Author "Kgasago, K. P"

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    Palatalization in Northern Sotho
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-12) Kgasago, K. P; Roux, J. C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of African Languages.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the phonological process of Palatalization in Northern Sotho. In view of the fact that most available descriptions of this phenomenon are taxonomic in nature, this study sets out to employ two more recent phonological models in the description and explanation of this process. Description of the core components of, respectively, the classical linear Transformational Generative (TG) model of Chomsky and Halle (1968) and a non-linear Feature Geometry (FG) model (cf Clements and Hume, 1995) mark the first chapter of this study This is followed by a detailed TG description in which it is argued that a number of other phonological processes are also involved 10 the process of Palatalization. It is demonstrated that a Semivocalization process actually serves as the input to a classical rule of palatalization, i.e. the assimilation of a [+ high] feature to a preceding consonant. It is demonstrated that a feeding-bleeding rule ordering is necessary to derive the required output In this process an optional rule of Semivowel deletion also plays a role, especially in the case of the labio-velar semivowel lw/. This analysis is followed by an FG analysis stressing the fact that this non-linear model does not involve the concept of rule ordering or derivational schemes. The mechanisms of Spreading and Delinking of hierarchically ordered nodes are demonstrated m a systematic fashion. Due to the fact that the phonological representation does not allow for other successive processes to apply, it is shown that the FG model is not able to account for all of the sound changes in a credible manner The conclusion is eventually drawn that the TG model describes and explains the phenomenon of Palatalization in Northern Sotho more elegantly and comprehensively than the more recent FG model.