THE DYNAMICS OF SEMANTIC INTERPLAY OF SENSE RELATIONS IN OLUKHAYO, WESTERN KENYA

Vincent Ouma Wabwire, Mwangi Wa Gachara, Joyce Imali Wangia

Abstract


This research initiative sought to highlight the dynamics of semantic interplay as concerns the sense relations in Olukhayo language, within the matrix of Lexico-semantic. Lexico-semantics of sense relations in Olukhayo has seemingly not been accorded the much-deserved attention in light of the preceding linguistic studies. Consequently, this scenario has, over time, triggered the motivation and urgency to explore the phenomenon. In fact, there is scant printout (if any at all) of literary materials on this language.  Furthermore, the use of Olukhayo has continued to decline, especially, among the youthful cadre of the overall populace, as they largely prefer the use of Kiswahili and English languages. This new trend has roused the need for an in-depth assessment of semantic interplay that defines sense relations.  The description of sense relations was inspired and governed by Lexical Priming theory.  A representative sample of 384 informants was arrived at by use of purposive judgmental and snowball techniques. Data extraction was achieved via the adoption of the questionnaire instrument. The data for analysis was taken from the open class category of words.  Data presentation and analysis were made possible by the use of a descriptive design approach. This approach is critical in dealing with qualitative data. Ideally, it consists of generating systematic, descriptive and explanatory accounts of data, as is the case with categories or word classes of lexical units. The analysis was done thematically by drawing on tenets of Lexical Priming theory. Lexical items display or exhibit links or networks that are semantically driven. The intrinsic nature of such links lends insights into the semantic realities of collocations, semantic associations and colligations. A thorough examination via thematic analyses of semantic interrelationships among the lexical units revealed the mechanics and precise nature of the interface or interplay that obtains among lexemes in Olukhayo. They were identified, categorized and coded within the matrix of our study objective. The various lexical relations were identified, categorized and coded accordingly. The study findings mirrored manifestations of semantic interplay among sense relations in Olukhayo. The analysis of data sheds light on the kind of semantic interplay in Olukhayo lexis: Synonymy Polysemy [SP], and Homonymy Polysemy [HP] intermediaries. Thus, it is important to recommend that literature materials are available on Olukhayo and or other languages by those with a passion for writing and publications. Additionally, it is critical to appreciate the importance and the role of the semantic interplay of sense relations in effective language acquisition and teaching.

 

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Keywords


sense relations, semantic interplay, polysemy, synonymy and homonymy

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i11.6392

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