Analysis of Consonant Minimal Pairs of Nouns and Verbs in Xitsonga

Authors

  • Respect Mlambo

    South African Centre for Digital Language Resources, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.8737
Received: 13 February 2025 | Revised: 22 March 2025 | Accepted: 28 March 2025 | Published Online: 11 April 2025

Abstract

Minimal pairs play a crucial role in phonetics and phonology by identifying phonemic contrasts and delineating the boundaries between distinct phonemes. Their importance lies in illustrating how two sounds function as separate phonemes within a given language. This study explores the structural and functional significance of consonant minimal pairs of nouns and verbs in Xitsonga, with a particular focus on their phonological, semantic and grammatical roles. Adopting a descriptive design and qualitative approach, it employs a desktop method to analyse secondary data sources, including published literature, linguistic corpora, dictionaries and language texts. The data were purposefully sampled and examined using thematic analysis. The study is framed within Saussurean structural linguistics, highlighting binary oppositions and systematic relationships that shape the language’s structure. The study found that consonant minimal pairs in Xitsonga nouns and verbs play a vital role in shaping lexical meaning and categorisation through phonemic contrasts. These contrasts predominantly occur in initial and medial positions, as the language’s phonotactic constraints prohibit final consonant minimal pairs. The findings underscore the systematic nature of Xitsonga phonology, where structured consonantal variations function as key mechanisms for lexical differentiation. They contribute to linguistic theory and language education by offering insights into the significance of minimal pairs in documenting and preserving Xitsonga’s phonological intricacies.

Keywords:

Xitsonga; Minimal Pairs; Phonological; Consonant; Saussurean Structural Linguistics

References

[1] Dan Politik, S.T.I.H., Bangsa, P., 2020. Language as a communication tool in human life. Jurnal Ilmu Hukum. 10(2), 45–54.

[2] Jahan, I., 2023. The impact of gendered language on our communication and perception across contexts and domains. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies. 17(4), 3523–3534.

[3] Tektigul, Z., Bayadilova-Altybayev, A., Sadykova, S., et al., 2023. Language is a symbol system that carries culture. International Journal of Society, Culture & Language. 11(1), 203–214. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22034/ijscl.2022.562756.2781

[4] Gunnink, H., Chousou-Polydouri, N., Bostoen, K., 2022. Divergence and contact in Southern Bantu language and population history: A new phylogeny in cross-disciplinary perspective. Language Dynamics and Change. 13(1), 74–131. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/22105832-bja10022

[5] Kracht, M., 2007. Introduction to linguistics. Los Angeles: Campbell Hall. Available from: https://linguistics.ucla.edu/people/Kracht/courses/ling20-fall07/ling-intro.pdf (cited 26 January 2025).

[6] Kaul, V., 2013. Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Identity. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 4(4), 550–571.

[7] Mabaso, X.E., 2018. Xitsonga in South Africa. In: Kamusella, T., Ndhlovu, F. (eds.). The Social and Political History of Southern Africa’s Languages. Palgrave Macmillan: London, UK. pp. 311–330.

[8] Mabunda, G.M., 2023. Expansion of South African Xitsonga terminology through importing from agrarian pursuits of Xitsonga linguistic communities in Mozambique and Zimbabwe [Doctoral Thesis]. University of the Witwatersrand: Johannesburg, South Africa. pp. 1–116. Available from: https://hdl.handle.net/10539/36932

[9] Mlambo, R., Hlungwani, M.C., 2024. The syntactic features and emotional impact of Xitsonga interjections. Literator. 45(1), 1–11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/lit.v45i1.2107

[10] Vratsanos, A., Kadenge, M., 2017. Hiatus resolution in Xitsonga. Stellenbosch Papers in Linguistics Plus. 52, 175–196. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5842/52-0-711

[11] Ngcobo, M.N., 2008. On account of a basket: a socio-historical and ethnographic perspective on the development of multilingualism in South Africa. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. 7(1), 7–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/indilinga.v7i1.26389

[12] Munyai, A., Phooko, M.R., 2021. Is English becoming a threat to the existence of indigenous languages in institutions of higher learning in South Africa? De Jure Law Journal. 54(1), 298–327. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2225-7160/2021/v54a18

[13] Prah, K.K., 2018. The challenge of language in post-apartheid South Africa. Available from:https://www.litnet.co.za/challenge-language-post-apartheid-south-africa/ (cited 29 January 2025).

[14] Afifah, N., Lubis, Y., 2023. Exploring Minimal Pairs of Consonants in English: A Literature Review. Journal Pendidikan Rafflesia. 1(2), 45–52.

[15] Lubis, Y., Batubara, A.F., Fathani, J.A., 2023. Understanding English minimal pairs of vowels. CENDEKIA: Jurnal Ilmu Sosial, Bahasa dan Pendidikan. 3(3), 164–175.

[16] Umar, M.A., Muhammad, I., 2024. Sorting Fact from Fiction: A Critical Review and Revision of Hausa Minimal Pairs in Phonological Literature. Tasambo Journal of Language, Literature, and Culture. 3(1), 144–152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2024.v03i01.016

[17] Crystal, D., 2008. A Dictionary of Linguistics and Phonetics, 6th ed. Blackwell Publishers: Oxford, UK. pp. 1–529. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781444302776

[18] Jones, G., Van der Merwe, A., Van der Linde, J., et al., 2018. Development of a Setswana tonal minimal pair word list as research tool. South African Journal of African Languages. 38(2), 127–135. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2018.1463700

[19] Ahmad, S.I., Alaku, E.M., Kwoku, S.S., 2023. A comparative analysis of minimal pairs in Hausa and English languages. International Journal of Arts, Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies. 12(1), 94–101.

[20] Onuoha, C.E., Uba, E.D., 2024. An analysis of minimal pairs in Igbo using a multimodal approach to speech perception. UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities. 25(1), 31–50. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/ujah.v25i1.2

[21] Barlow, J.A., Gierut, J.A., 2002. Minimal pair approaches to phonological remediation. Seminars in Speech and Language. 23(1), 57–68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2002-24969.

[22] Husna, A., Sholikhah, S. , Lubis, Y., 2023. An Analysis of Minimal Pairs of Consonant Sounds in English. Atmosfer: Jurnal Pendidikan, Bahasa, Sastra, Seni, Budaya, dan Sosial Humaniora. 1(3), 92–97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59024/atmosfer.v1i3.208

[23] Marpaung, I.D.M., Sipayung, S.A.R., Lubis, Y., 2023. Student’s Perspective: Using Minimal Pairs Technique to Improve Pronunciation. Sinar Dunia: Jurnal Riset Sosial Humaniora dan Ilmu Pendidikan. 2(3), 60–68.

[24] Pathak, V., Jena, B., Kalra, S., 2013. Qualitative research. Perspectives in clinical research. 4(3), 192–194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-3485.115389

[25] Ugwu-Chinyere, N., Eze, V.H.U., 2023. Qualitative research. Journal of Computer and Applied Sciences. 8(1), 20–35.

[26] Wang, J., Zhang, Y., 2022. The foresight of Saussurean’s outlook on language. Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology. 6(5), 30–37.

[27] Chunmei, Y., 2018. Analysis on the binary oppositions of Django Unchained. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education. 5(2), 108–112. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2349-0381.0502012

[28] Putri, A., Sarwoto, P., 2016. Saussurian binary opposition as the narrative structure of Williams’ Summer and Smoke. Journal of Language and Literature. 16, 82–98. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24071/joll.2016.160110

[29] Chiu, W., Lu, K., 2015. Paradigmatic relations and syntagmatic relations: How are they related? Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology. 52(1), 1–4.

[30] Namaziandost, E., Shafiee, S., Rasooyar, H., 2018. Paradigmatic Relations and Syntagmatic Relations: Are They Useful in learning Grammatical Structures? Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research. 5(5), 20–34.

[31] Sanjaya, M.R., 2020. The Ability of Students in Understanding Minimal Pair. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research. 422, 246–251.

[32] Archer, S., Ference, J., Curtin, S., 2014. Now you hear it: Fourteen-month-olds succeed at learning minimal pairs in stressed syllables. Journal of Cognition and Development. 15(1), 110–122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15248372.2012.728544

[33] Chandler, D., 2007. Semiotics: the basics, 2nd ed. Routledge: London, UK. pp. 1–307.

[34] Womack, K., 2006. Ferdinand de Saussurean (1857–1913) and Structural Linguistics. In: Wolfreys, J. (ed.). Modern European Criticism and Theory: A Critical Guide. Edinburgh University Press: Edinburgh. UK. pp. 68–71. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/9780748626793-009

[35] Kazanina, N., Bowers, J.S., Idsardi, W., 2018. Phonemes: Lexical access and beyond. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. 25(2), 560–585. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-017-1362-0

[36] Hussein, B.A.S., Abushihab, I., 2014. A critical review of Ferdinand de Saussurean’s linguistic theory. Studies in Literature and Language. 8(1), 57–61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3968/j.sll.1923156320140801.3909

Downloads

How to Cite

Mlambo, R. (2025). Analysis of Consonant Minimal Pairs of Nouns and Verbs in Xitsonga. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(4), 562–573. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.8737

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 4 (April 2025)

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2025 Respect Mlambo

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.