The nominal impacts of L2 on L1: A case of Swahili on the Kinga language

Abstract

This study is about the nominal impact of L2 (Swahili) on L1 (Kinga) as a result of their contact. The objective was to identify the extent to which L2 lexicon has penetrated L1 lexicon, this study is significant as it uncovers the other side of the coin in the growth of Swahili. Despite the pride we all have in its growth, we must not be blind to the linguistic side effects. The study answers such questions as: to what extent have L2 (Swahili) nouns penetrated L1 (Kinga) lexical stock? Which category of nouns are severely affected and which nouns maintained nativity? The qualitative approach was used, with a descriptive design and the non-probability sampling technique. The researchers used semi-structured interviews and documentary review. The study shows that the contact between Swahili (L2) and Kinga endangers the survival of Kinga (L1). In all categories of Kinga nouns, there were intrusions of Swahili nouns. This signals a language shift of the Kinga speech community to Swahili. The shift stood unmarked as Swahili nouns seem to be easily adopted by native speakers of Kinga. The study found that in the near future the new generations of the Kinga are likely to have many speakers whose first language is no longer Kinga but Swahili. The study recommends documenting the endangered Bantu languages. Further studies are to be conducted to see the danger in which other native languages in Tanzania and east Africa are as a result of their contact with Swahili.