This study examines the various semantic changes that take place in English words borrowed into Icibemba. Icibemba is a language spoken by the majority of the Zambian population. English and Icibemba are two languages from two different language families. The main objective of this study was to examine the various semantic processes involved in the process of borrowing words from English into Icibemba. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources. The data was then analyzed for semantic changes.
The discussion concludes that certain words have meanings which correspond with that of the source language and that certain words extend their meaning range whereas others narrow it. Some words extend their meaning range figuratively. Some loanwords also change their emotive value when they are taken over into Icibemba language.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Zero Semantic Change
1.2 Semantic Broadening/Expansion
1.2 Semantic Narrowing
1.3 Semantic Shift
1.4 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the semantic adaptations of English loanwords within the Icibemba language, focusing on how these words are integrated into the Zambian lexicon through various semantic processes.
- Mechanisms of semantic correspondence in loanwords
- Processes of semantic broadening and expansion
- Types of semantic narrowing and specialization
- Radical semantic shifts and figurative adaptations
Excerpt from the Book
1.2 Semantic Narrowing
According to Fossi and Ouafo (2012), narrowing or specialization is when a general term refers to a more specific thing than the original referent. Semantic narrowing is the opposite of expansion. According to Akida (2013), it is also known as semantic restriction and refers to a situation where a term acquires a narrower meaning. It is a restriction of meaning in the recipient language in the process of borrowing.
Narrowing of meaning of a lexeme is a result of its semantic development from general to individual. Concerning the narrowing of meaning, the original polysemic English words are not borrowed in the whole extent of their meanings, but only in one or some of their meanings.
Shariq (2013) says, this happens when a word with a general meaning is by degrees applied to something much more specific. In English, for instance, the word ‘meat’ which was derived from the Middle English word ‘mete’ initially referred to ‘food’ in general, but is now restricted to ‘processed animal flesh’. Semantic narrowing can also take place as a result of borrowing English words into Icibemba as illustrated in the examples below:
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of loanword studies, defining semantic change and outlining the core types of adaptations, such as broadening, narrowing, and shifting, that occur when English words enter the Icibemba language.
1.1 Zero Semantic Change: This section discusses instances where English loanwords are integrated into Icibemba while retaining their original source language meaning, primarily observed in direct loans.
1.2 Semantic Broadening/Expansion: This section examines how loanwords acquire more general or inclusive meanings, either through context-independent expansion or the use of metaphors and idiomatic expressions.
1.2 Semantic Narrowing: This section explores how polysemic English words are adopted into Icibemba with a restricted meaning, often selecting only one of the original meanings from the source language.
1.3 Semantic Shift: This section analyzes radical changes in meaning where a loanword adopts a new referent that is significantly different from, or even opposite to, its original English usage.
1.4 Conclusion: This final section summarizes the study’s findings, reaffirming that English-derived loanwords in Icibemba undergo diverse semantic processes that reflect the dynamic nature of language borrowing.
Keywords
Icibemba, English loanwords, semantic change, semantic broadening, semantic narrowing, semantic shift, lexical borrowing, semantic adaptation, linguistic borrowing, meaning correspondence, language contact, terminology, figurative meaning, metonymy, Zambian languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The work examines how English words are adapted semantically when they are borrowed into the Icibemba language spoken in Zambia.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The central themes include zero semantic change, semantic expansion (broadening), semantic narrowing (specialization), and radical semantic shifts.
What is the main research objective?
The objective is to identify and categorize the specific semantic processes involved when English words are absorbed into the Icibemba lexicon.
Which linguistic methods were utilized?
The study utilizes a descriptive linguistic approach, analyzing data from primary and secondary sources to compare the meanings of words in English versus their usage in Icibemba.
What is covered in the main body of the text?
The main body details different types of semantic changes, providing evidence through tables and comparative examples of specific loanwords.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Icibemba, loanwords, semantic adaptation, lexical expansion, narrowing, and shift.
How does the author define "Zero Semantic Change"?
Zero semantic change is defined as the borrowing of words where the meaning in the recipient language remains identical to the original meaning in the source language.
Can you provide an example of semantic narrowing mentioned in the study?
An example is the word "Keeshi" (from "case"), where Icibemba speakers adopted only specific meanings of the English word rather than its full range of definitions.
What role do metaphors play in the semantic adaptation process?
Metaphors allow speakers to expand the semantic range of loanwords, enabling the expression of new, often figurative, meanings within the target language.
Why might Icibemba speakers prefer certain loanwords over existing terms?
The text suggests that loanwords are often used because the corresponding local concepts may be unfamiliar, or the loanword is simply found to be easier to pronounce or use in daily communication.
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- Kennedy Kangwa (Autor), 2021, English Loanwords in Icibemba. Their Semantic Adaption, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1126806
