Lexical Semantic Changes in the Central Dialect of Oromo  

Authors

  • Bekele Buko[1], Feda Negesse[2] & Samuel Handamo[3]

Abstract

Abstract

There is a lack of empirical data on the types and causes of lexical changes in Oromo. This study investigates lexical semantic changes in the central dialect of Oromo using socio-historical and cognitive models. Interviews and elicitations were used to gather data for the study. The results of the data analysis indicate that different kinds of lexical semantic changes take place in the central dialect of the language. The semantic changes involve narrowing or broadening of reading, pejoration, and metaphors. Compared to other causes identified, taboo seems to play a major role in triggering several of the changes. Further studies are to be conducted to investigate lexical semantic changes in the other dialects so as to have a full picture of the changes in the language.

Keywords: [Oromo, lexical, changes, semantic, nouns,]

 

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Published

2022-09-24

How to Cite

Bekele Buko[1], Feda Negesse[2] & Samuel Handamo[3]. (2022). Lexical Semantic Changes in the Central Dialect of Oromo   . ZENA-LISSAN (Journal of Academy of Ethiopian Languages and Cultures), 30(1), 3–38. Retrieved from http://ejol.aau.edu.et/index.php/JAELC/article/view/3667

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 1 (2021): ZENA-LISSAN Journal of Ethiopian Languages and Cultures

Section

Articles