Abstract:
This paper aims at describing phonological processes in Kémunasukuma dialect of
the Kísukuma language because there is no evidence of any literature of Kisukuma
phonological processes despite the existence of a number of literature onKisukuma.
Thus, we are obliged to fill this content gap. Methodologically, the study used
documentary review and focus group discussion. Six (6) Sukuma informants were
used for focus group discussion and three (3) Sukuma documents were selected
for the review. During data analysis, the Natural Generative Phonology approach
was used in which principles that govern the association of phonological and
phonetic representations of mapping as the rules of the algorithm were applied. It
was found that deletion, coalescence, Palatalization, affrication, insertion, vowel
lengthening, nasalization, assimilation, gliding, aspiration and phonological
processes in the language under discussion. It can be concluded that other
phonological phenomena such as voicing, aspiration, dissimilation, metathesis,
vowel weakening and strengthening that seem to be found in the Kisukuma
language need investigation.
