Strategies of Causation in Gichuka

Abstract

This study was an investigation of the causative constructions in Gichuka, a Bantu language spoken mainly in Chuka Division in Tharaka-Nithi County of Kenya. The objective of the study was to investigate the strategies of causation in Gichuka. Review of relevant literature focused on both Bantu and non-Bantu Languages since all languages attract causation. Data was collected from a sample of ten (10) Gichuka speaking persons selected purposively and supplemented by the researcher’s own intuitive knowledge of the language using introspection. Data collection was based on Self Generated Tests and semi-structured interviews, designed to elicit directed information as far as causation is concerned. Data was analyzed in phrases, clauses, sentences and tree diagrams to reveal the strategies of causation in Gichuka. Data analysis was based on the theories of Distributed Morphology (DM) and X-Bar Theory. The study found that Gichuka is a multi-strategy language as far as causation is concerned. The strategies of causation are morphological, lexical, analytic and inchoative-causative alternations. This studycontributes in analysis of the syntax of causative morpheme(s)in Gichuka. It also contributes to the body of existing knowledge on research in Bantu languages by providing data, thereby, contributing to linguistic theory, and cross-linguistic studies.