Abstract

This work titled “Phonological study of Reduplication in Kom”. The objective of this study was to identify the different types of reduplication in Kom, and also to identify the reduplicative template and to account for reduplication using the skeletal tier model. To carry out this study, an observation and an interview of two language consultants was used to collect data.

The problem encountered was the unavailability of the language consultants which delayed the completion of the work. The problem was resolved and data was collected from the two language consultants. It was observed that Kom have a total and partial reduplication.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Within the frame work of morphology, one of the most important studies have been on reduplication which is an important phenomenon in language studies. Reduplication has been defined in many ways. One of these definitions is that of Rubino (2005, p.11). He defined reduplication as, “The systematic repetition of Phonological material within a word for semantic or grammatical purpose”.

Reduplication can be done on the segment, syllable, and morpheme either to the left or to the right of the word or occasionally within the middle of the word. The present study adopts the above definition in the study of reduplication in the Kom language. This opening chapter presents the Geographical location of the language, Genetic classification of the language, Research problem, Aim and objectives, Significance of the study, the scope of the study and chapter conclusion.

1.1 Geographical location of Kom.

Kom is found in the Northwest Region of Cameroon precisely, the Boyo Division. It is one of the 250 indigenous ethnic groups in Cameroon approximately 50 miles from the provincial capital of Bamenda, counting over 125,000 inhabitants.

The division got its name from the Boyo Mountain. According to Nchonji (1969), Kom is blundered with the Bum to the North, Babanki to the South, Wum to the West, Nso and Oku to the East, as seen on the map schema below.

1.2 Genealogical classification of the Kom language.

In giving the genealogical classification of the Kom language, let’s see how some linguists classify it; Greenberg (1966) provides a large framework for classifying African languages.

Kom is not actually listed but Kom belongs to the Benue Congo group which is a sub family of the Niger-Congo family. Williamson (1971) divides the Bantoid branch into Bantu Bantoid and Non- Bantu Bantoid. Kom is a member of the Eastern grass field Bantu sub group.

1.3 Research problem

Although reduplication has been studies in the Kom language, this has only been done from the viewpoint of morphosyntax: the Phonological aspect of reduplication has not been examined.

1.4 Aim and objectives

1.4.1 Main Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze reduplication in the Kom language from the phonological perspective.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1. Identify the different types of reduplication in Kom, namely, partial and full (total) reduplication.
2. To identify the reduplicative template and
3. To account for reduplication using the skeletal tier model.

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