Factors Contributing To Lexical Changes In Kipemba: A Case Of Chake Chake District

ABSTRACT

Within a sociolinguistic scope, the present research work was set to examine

language changes or more precisely, dialect changes at the level of vocabulary in

Pemba speech community. The purpose of this dissertation was to create awareness

among language users of the need to be current with our knowledge of lexis. Also, it

serves to exemplify many vocabulary items that have undergone change in various

ways. Primary data were collected directly from direct elicitation from old aged

people, middle aged people, youth, and linguists. Older and contemporary Swahili

dictionaries and magazines as well as popular reading materials as secondary sources

were used to investigate lexical changes. It was found that certain lexical items had

acquired additional meaning. Some were gradually being replaced with others whilst

others were totally lost. Several factors were reported to contribute to those changes.

Generally, social needs and contacts were found to be the influential factors in

lexical changes. The study used both descriptive and quantitative methods in

analyzing and computing the gathered data. Analysis was done through the excel

program.