Matumizi Ya Ngeli Miongoni Mwa Wanafunzi Wa Kiswahili Wa Chuo Kikuu Cha Maseno, Nchini Kenya

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the use of noun classes among Maseno University Kiswahili students.The first chapter has dealt with Noun classification as a basis of grammar that is very vital in creating linguistic competence and performance of words in most Bantu languages especially Kiswahili. The concept of Noun classes is wide in scope in the sense that it brings contrast among most Kiswahili users including the students. This approach recognizes Noun classification as one of the important aspects of Kiswahili Grammar. Despite this accomplishment, some Noun classes are still problematic and challenging among Kiswahili users especially students. This research aimed at filling this gap. The specific objectives were to establish the errors observed as the Kiswahili students used the noun classes, discuss the challenges facing them as they used the noun classes and recommend the strategies to be undertaken in order to deal with these grammatical errors hence creating linguistic competence in Kiswahili language.The study adopted Corder‟s Error Analysis theory (1974) whose five tenets include; the collection of a sample of learner language, identification, explanation, description and evaluation of errors. The research used mixed design; evaluative and quantitative. Data collection in the field was done through tape-recording of Kiswahili undergraduate students as they discussed in their focus Kiswahili groups, interview and they also wrote compositions which were marked for data output. These tools were pretested and piloted by experts in Kiswahili and Other African Languages (KOAL) department to enhance their reliability and validity. The research used the multistage sampling technique whereby stratified sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to cater for the different categories of informants that the study had targeted. The total population of 540 Kiswahili students was sampled which gave us a sample of 54. The research used primary and secondary data collection techniques based on extensive library research and fieldwork. The data collected was transcribed, analyzed and presented through discussions and tables. The study revealed how Kiswahili students used the Noun classes, the extra noun classes and the specific challenges facing them like the use of adjectives in noun class „LI -YA‟ and „I-ZI‟ and the problematic noun classes such as „ LI-YA‟ , „PA-KU-MU‟ and „KI-VI‟ and the strategies that were undertaken to deal with the grammatical errors like the use of meaning and the value of grammar hence creating linguistic competence Maseno University, Universities and Kiswahili in general. However, the study revealed that the concept of Noun classes was still an issue to be ironed out by the Kiswahili University students especially the lower years (1st and 2nd). Therefore this research recommends that there is an urgent need by the Kiswahili policy makers to hold seminars, workshops and conferences so as to sensitize the Kiswahili learners about the importance of Noun classes and aspects of Kiswahili grammar in Maseno University and grammar in general.