Vowel length (in)sensitivity in Luyia morphophonology

Abstract

This paper provides an original description and analysis of processes in the morphophonology of several Luyia languages of western Kenya, focusing on the differential behaviour of long vowels across and within languages. We discuss patterns of allomorphy of the perfective suffix which are either sensitive or insensitive to the contrast between short vs long vowels, depending on the number of syllables in the base to which the suffix attaches. We also discuss tonal patterns which differ from one another in their sensitivity to vowel length differences. We show that some tonal rules operate solely in terms of moras, while others require reference to whole syllables, irrespective of whether the syllable has a long or short vowel. Others still are sensitive to vowel length differences in some syllables but not others.