Language Documentation Based Lexical Study of the Earlier Dawuro Kingdom
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Date
2016-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This thesis, which is part of the project of Dawuro language documentation, investigates
the changes that lexical items of the earlier Dawuro kingdom have undergone.
The study collects, describes and classifies the lexical items into different semantic
categories such as honorific, political and traditional. The lexical items are further
categorized into different sub-categories. Analysis is given to the lexical items from the
perspective of their origins, forms, occurrences as well as functions. Factors that have
been responsible for the changes in the lexical items are also discussed. As the study
reveals, its different linguistic and non-linguistic factors are responsible for the changes
in the lexical items.
Phonological and morphological changes that are responsible for changes in the lexical
items have been examined in this study. The non-linguistic factors include the various
socio-political and economic changes in the society. It is noted that following the end of
the political system of the earlier Dawuro kingdom, several lexical items became
outdated. Following attitudinal shifts of the society also many others became out of use.
Various others also became replaced by other representations. In addition, there are
others, which shifted their meanings as well as declined their uses. Many lexical items
have undergone in their semantic reference. As the study identified, they have
undergone extension of meaning or narrowing of meaning or even complete semantic
shift. Based on the findings; thus, suggestions are given regarding appropriate measures
which should be taken to preserve the lexical heritages in Dawuro
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Dawuro language documentation, investigates the changes