A semantic and etymological analysis of lukabaras borrowed forms of toponyms: Tracing meaning through language contact

https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.5.2.24

Authors

Keywords:

Borrowing, Borrowed Form, Etymology, Lukabaras, Semantics, Toponym

Abstract

Despite the prevalence of borrowed forms of toponyms in Lukabaras, there is little scholarly attention paid to how these toponyms acquire meaning and cultural significance through language contact. This study analysed toponyms in Lukabaras whose forms are borrowed from Nandi, Maasai, Swahili, and English, focusing on their etymology and resultant meanings. Specifically, the study examined how these toponyms are formed by tracing the etymology arising from language contact and analysing the context-specific meanings reflected in their borrowed forms. A descriptive research design was adopted within the framework of the Causal Theory of Names. The study comprised 42 purposively sampled Lukabaras speakers drawn from the seven county assembly wards of Kakamega North Sub-County. A total of 30 toponyms were collected through focus group discussions and analysed qualitatively using content analysis. The findings revealed that, regardless of the source language, the borrowed forms of toponyms were nativised to conform to the phonological structure of Lukabaras and that their meanings were strongly shaped by the sociohistorical contexts in which they emerged. Based on these findings, the study recommends further documentation and systematic analysis of toponyms in contact zones to preserve linguistic heritage and deepen understanding of the cultural processes embedded in place naming.

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Published

2025-11-20

How to Cite

Kasembeli, C., Sasala, J. M., & Mudogo, B. (2025). A semantic and etymological analysis of lukabaras borrowed forms of toponyms: Tracing meaning through language contact. SCIENCE MUNDI, 5(2), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.51867/scimundi.5.2.24

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Jul-Dec 2025

Section

Articles
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Copyright (c) 2025 Catherine Kasembeli, James Matseshe Sasala, Benard Mudogo

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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