Abstract

This work sets out to examine the variations in Mokpe grammar; phonologically, morphologically, and syntactically. In as much Mokpe is concerned, a lot of research has been done regarding its grammar but nothing has been said about its variations.

To reach the aims and objectives set out for this work, data was collected in the two separate dialects of Mokpe, using a recorder, after an unstructured interview, the data collected is transcribed and compared for any similarities or differences.

The findings revealed some differences between the two dialects in terms of phonology (different sounds attested in the two dialects, morphology; difference in Gender (plural markers) and syntax; difference in questioning.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

This work sets out to examine the variation of Mokpe in Buea and Limbe.  Some research has been done in the language especially on the phonological aspects. The focus here will be on variation in Mokpe (Dialects of Mokpe).

1.2 Background to The Study

Though a lot of work has been done in Mokpe, especially in the domain of Phonology, little has been said on the variation of Mokpe. The main aim of this research is to fill in this gap. This work centers at exposing the variations of Mokpe in Buea and Limbe, in the domain of Phonology, Morphology and Syntax.

1.3 Geographical Location

Mokpe is a language spoken in the South West Region of Cameroon by a group of people known as the Bakweri. They are situated at the foot of Mount Cameroon in towns such as; Buea, Limbe, Muyuka, and Tiko. The language is commonly spoken in most of the villages found at the foot of Mount Fako. Limbe, Buea and Muyuka don’t really speak the language like interior villages such as; Bova, Bonakanda, Bonduma, Ewonda, Bokwai, Mokunda, Mua. This is because Limbe, Buea and Muyuka have been Urbanised and the Mokpe language is affected by English. Mokpe has neighbouring languages such as; Wovia, Isubu, Oroko, and Duala. Ngoisah, (2022) provides a Map indicating the Geographical Location of Mokpe. This Map can be seen below.

1.4 Sociolinguistics Habits of the Bakweri People

The Mokpe people practice inter-tribal marriages which has led to language attrition. Aside from that, the Bakweri are very hospitable and have the spirit of togetherness. They hold the view that ‘one man’s pain is the pain of all.

1.5 Historical Background

According to myths and legends (see Mokake, 2016), Buea was discovered by a certain man named Eye Njie Tama Lifange, who moved originally from a village named Womboko. In carrying out economic activities and hunting in the East side of Mt. Fako with his friend Nakande who founded the village called Bonakanda, they decided to plant crops on their path. When arriving the next season, they discovered that the crops had grown as the land was very fertile. At the end of the day, they decided to name the place “ligbea” which means farmland. But as time went on, the name changed to “gbea” which became known today as “Buea”.

1.6 The Aim of the Research

The aim of this study is to investigate the dialectal variations within the Mokpe language and to analyze the linguistic (Phonology and Morphology) and sociolinguistic factors that contribute to these variations.

1.7 Objectives

1. To identify and describe the major dialects or variations of the Mokpe language.
2. To analyze the phonological, morphological and syntactic features that distinguish the Mokpe dialects.
3. To examine the sociolinguistic factors that influence the linguistic variations in Mokpe.
4. To trace the historical development and evolution of Mokpe dialect variations.

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