Harmonizing the orthographies of Bantu languages: The case of Gikuyu and Ekegusii in Kenya
Date
2013-10-01
Authors
Mwangi, Phyllis W.
Njoroge, Martin C.
Mose, Edinah G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Nairobi journal of languages and linguistics
Abstract
Despite the multiplicity of African languages, available literature on the development of these languages points to the need to have their orthographies harmonised and standardised. This is because properly designed orthographies can play a monumental role in promoting their use in all spheres of life, and hence contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development. Such harmonisation is practical, especially among languages such as Gĩkŭyŭ and Ekegusii, two distinct Kenyan Bantu languages that are mutually intelligible. This paper examines how similar or dissimilar their phonologies and orthographies are, with a view to proposing how they can be harmonised. The paper concludes that there are benefits that can accrue from such harmonisation efforts, especially because there will be greater availability of literacy materials accessible to the speakers of the two languages.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Orthographies, Bantu languages, Kikuyu language, Kisii language, African languages
Citation
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