Baate (Wello) Oromo Phonology: Palatalization of Alveo-dental Consonants and Related Issues
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Date
1994-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Wello Oromo is one of the least described dialects of the Oromo language. The
thesis describes the palatalization process of alveo-dental consonants in respect with Baate
(officially "Baati" ) variety ofWello Oromo.
Data were collected in two ways; by interviewing and by recording stories,
conversations, etc.. The data are described in the framework of auto segmental phonology
(see chapter 1.0).
A descriptive overview of roots, stems and affixes that are relevant in the discussion
of the palatalization process is also given (see chapter 2.0). The process which changes
root-final semi-vowel I followed by nasal consonant g to !!!! is described in terms of
recursive assimilatory process (see chapter 3.0). In previous work on Ororno, it is usually
assumed that consonant! begins the causative morpheme of Oromo. And this! is thought
to condition the palatalization of a preceding alveo-dental obstruent or lateral !. In this
thesis, evidence is presented that the causative morpheme in Oromo begins with i and not
with! at underlying representation (see chapter 4.0). This assumption, could, therefore,
well account for the palatalization of the alveo-dental obstruents and lateral! (see chapter
5.0).
In general it is established that consonants, !! , ! , !!, 1, l' and ! are palatalized in the
environment of an underlying high front vowel ior palatal semivowel I that mayor may not
directly appear on the surface. This is also in agreement with universal assumptions about
palatalization processes across languages. Also other related issues to the palatalization
process are addressed in every chapter of the thesis.
It is hoped that the study adds to our knowledge of Oromo and may also provide
further material and analysis towards comparative study of Ororno dialectology which is
currently not well understood.
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Keywords
Baate Wello Oromo Phonology