Phonological Influences of First Language on Kiswahili: A Case Study of Kenyan Bantu Languages

Kiswahili language has a phonological system which is distinct from other languages. This can be attributed to the fact that even though it is a Bantu language, it has a unique phonological structure which is a universal feature of all languages. It is this uniqueness of specific languages that exhibits itself when other Bantu speakers write or speak Kiswahili erroneously. The correct articulation and orthography of Kiswahili will be discussed. Data for the paper came from analysis of compositions written by student from selected Kenyan secondary schools. The research will benefit Kiswahili students by identifying Kiswahili language usage errors originating from the speakers first Bantu languages. In addition the analysis will benefit Kiswahili teachers as they guide their learners on the correct Kiswahili orthography. The research will be a step forward in Swahili research particularly in error analysis of written texts.