An account of ambiguity as a feature evident in Ekegusii homograph sets

Abstract

The paper is based on the premise that any set of homographs in Ekegusii can be ambiguous if their contexts are merely considered during an interlocution. In this regard, limited adherence to the variations in meaning and pronunciation in different sets of homographs in Ekegusii can lead to communication breakdown. In a speech, for instance, a speaker can have limited knowledge or deliberately omit supra-segmental features that aid in comprehending the variations that exist between different sets of homographs. Therefore, the investigation aims at determining the extent to which ambiguity can be accounted for in Ekegusii homograph sets. The paper utilizes the Generative Lexicon Theory by Pustejovsky (1995). A descriptive research design was adopted. Data collection involved the use of a focus group discussion where six respondents drawn from Bogiakumu location in Kisii County were used as participants. Purposive sampling was used to identify the participants based on their proficiency and how they articulated Ekegusii expressions by making clear and consistent tonal distinctions. A combined data elicitation method from Ekegusii native speakers and the researcher’s native speaker intuition was used to collect homograph sets for analysis. It is hoped that the investigation will aid in eliminating any prejudices that might render incomprehensibility due to the inability to accurately pronounce or write sets of homographs in the language.