The Role Of Kinyakyusa As A First Language In Learning Kiswahili As A Second Language

ABSTRACT

The study involved the role of Kinyakyusa in learning Kiswahili as a second

language. In order to examine this assertion, the study was conducted under three

specific objectives. These are phonological, morphosyntactic and lexical influences

of Kinyakyusa in learning Kiswahili as a second language. The study was conducted

in Rungwe district where Nyakyusa natives are dominant. Word lists, questionnaires,

interviews and observation were the research techniques used in collecting data. The

study is descriptive.

The findings revealed that, phonologically, speech sounds that are similar in

Kinyakyusa and Kiswahili as a second language such as /p/, /t/, /k/, /f/, /s/ were

easily learned. Learners were faced with some difficulties in pronouncing some

utterances that are not found in Kinyakyusa but exist in Kiswahili. Morphosyntactically,

Kinyakyusa and Kiswahili follow SVO word order, have noun-verb

agreement and are similar in changing from singular into plural of nouns. Lexically,

some lexical items in Kinyakyusa and Kiswahili were relatively similar. Generally,

the study revealed that Kinyakyusa plays a great role in learning Kiswahili as a

second language.