Morphophonological Processes and Micro-variations in the Verbal Morphology of ciLungu, ciMambwe, and ciNamwanga Languages

This paper presents an in-depth, comparative linguistic analysis of three closely related yet distinct Bantu languages spoken in the northern region of Zambia: ciLungu (Guthrie’s M14), ciMambwe (M15), and ciNamwanga (M22). Despite their genetic proximity and shared historical lineage, these languages remain critically under-documented, with significant gaps in the descriptive analysis of their grammatical systems. This study aims to address this lacuna by conducting a meticulous examination of their verbal morphophonology, identifying and elucidating the core processes that govern verb form construction. Through a methodical application of the comparative method, informed by principles of Lexical Phonology and Morphology and comparative Bantu linguistics, the research delineates a comprehensive inventory of phonological and morphological operations. These include, but are not limited to, strategic vowel lengthening for tense-aspect marking, gliding and glide-induced harmony, a suite of strategies for resolving vowel hiatus, pervasive vowel and consonant harmony systems, and various forms of vocalic coalescence. The investigation reveals that while these languages share a foundational inventory of morphophonological rules attributable to their common ancestry, they are distinguished by systematic and predictable micro-variations. For instance, a key differentiating feature is the realization of plural subject prefixes: ciLungu and ciMambwe employ a voiced palatal glide [j], while ciNamwanga utilizes a voiced bilabial glide [w]. Furthermore, ciLungu exhibits a unique use of the voiceless glottal fricative [h] in specific verbal environments, a feature absent in its linguistic relatives, which instead maintain a palatal glide. The detailed findings of this research provide an indispensable empirical foundation for applied linguistic endeavors, particularly for curriculum developers, lexicographers, and language planners engaged in the creation of pedagogical materials, grammatical guides, and literacy resources aimed at promoting and preserving this vulnerable linguistic heritage.