Shinasha Number Words Description and Analysis of Modifications1

Abstract

This study deals with the description of Shinasha number words and the analysis of
modifications made on borrowed number words in comparison with modifications
made on borrowed general words of the language. Background and linguistic data
for the study are obtained from primary sources (mainly by the techniques of
elicitation with natives, interviewing, and observation) and secondary ones. The
conceptual framework employed in the study is simply a general descriptive
analysis framework or Basic Linguistic Theory (BLT). The study finds that most
of the basic number words of Shinasha are borrowed; and borrowed number words
as well as borrowed general words are modified word-externally and wordinternally
to conform with the phonological system of the language; that is, foreign
sounds and structures are changed to native ones and word forms are modified to
appear like the native isolated and constructional phonological forms; even though,
borrowed number words exhibit some word-external and word-internal
modifications different from borrowed general words. Among all the modifications
discussed in the study, the addition of a high tone on some of the vowels of the
borrowed number and general words is apparently random, and it is difficult to say
where it applies; and some of the other changes (for example, s → sh, k → k’, p →
p’) on some words appear to be exceptions to the rule. So, these kinds of
apparently random and exceptional changes need further explanatory investigation.
Significance-wise, this work aligns with the national agenda of documenting,
preserving, and developing Ethiopian languages.