The Influence of Borrowing on Morphological Structures in Swahili

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This study aims at exploring the impact of borrowing on the morphological structures of Swahili language, with a view on loanword integration and its effects on the grammar of the language. The study adopts descriptive approach with a qualitative research design. The data were collected from Swahili texts, semi-structured interviews from 20 participants and field observations in various situations. Dictionaries and linguistic databases, including Kamusi ya Kiswahili Sanifu, were consulted to identify the source and integration of loanwords. Processes such as phonological adjustment, noun class integration, and formation of verbs are identified in the analysis. Some examples include: switching from the initial consonant-vowel (CV) structure of Swahili to a word like kitabu for book, or kompyuta for computer, but there are some, like basi for bus, that have morphosyntactic irregularities.  Verbs such as ku-instal from ku- together with install, meaning ‘to install,’ are examples of English influence in technological area. Comparison with Bantu languages like Luganda and Zulu shows that different strategies are used in borrowing. Sociolinguistic factors like the prestige of the donor languages such as Arabic and English also influence the borrowing. Religious terms are mainly from Arabic and technical vocabulary from English. The findings further show how Swahili is able to incorporate new linguistic innovation without compromising on grammatical integrity and, in the process, provides some insights into the contact and development of language.