Matumizi Ya Msamiati Wa Kiswahili Uliopanuliwa Maana Miongoni Mwa Wanafunzi Wa Vyuo Vikuu Katika Eneo La Magharibi Nchini Kenya

Abstract

Swahili

Utafiti huu ulilenga kuchunguza matumizi ya msamiati wa Kiswahili uliopanuliwa maana miongoni mwa wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu. Ulilenga kuonesha jinsi upanuzi wa maana unavyojitokeza katika maongezi yao. Wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu wameonekana huwa na mazoea ya kutumia upanuzi wa maana. Tulichunguza msamiati wa Kiswahili ambao umepata maana mpya na kuwezesha mawasiliano yao.  Uchunguzi uliozaa makala haya ulifanyika katika eneo la magharibi nchini Kenya. Uchunguzi uliongozwa na nadharia ya  Semantiki Tambuzi iliyoasisiwa na Rosch (1977). Walengwa walikuwa wanafunzi wote wanaosoma somo la Kiswahili katika vyuo vikuu katika eneo la magharibi mwa Kenya. Washiriki 320 waliteuliwa kinasibu ili kuhusishwa katika utafiti. Data ilikusanywa kwa njia ya hojaji na mahojiano. Vifaa vya utafiti huu vilikuwa mwongozo wa mahojiano na hojaji.  Data hii ilichanganuliwa kwa njia ya kimaelezo  iliwasilishwa katika majedwali na maelezo.. Utafiti huu ulitumia usampulishaji wa kinasibu. Vyuo vikuu vitatu vilivyoteuliwa kinasibu vilihusishwa katika utafiti huu.   Kupitia mahojiano na hojaji, ilibainika kwamba wanafunzi wa vyuo vikuu walitumia sana msamiati uliopanuliwa maana. Matokeo yalionesha kwamba baadhi ya msamiati wa Kiswahili umepata maana mpya ambayo inatumiwa katika mwasiliano. Mojawapo ya dhima ya upanuzi wa maana ni kuficha usiri wa wanafunzi. Pili, upanuzi wa maana ni jambo lisiloweza kuhepukika na hutokea kila uchao katika mawasiliano ya kila siku. Aidha, utafiti utachangia data muhimu katika eneo la kitaaluma itakayokuwa marejeleo kwa watafiti wa baadaye. Matokeo yalifafanua sababu zinazopelekea kuwepo kwa upanuzi wa maana.Hivyo makala haya yanapendekeza maana mpya iliyoongezwa katika msamiati huo ijumuishwe kwenye kamusi.

English

This study aimed to investigate the use of Kiswahili vocabulary with expanded meanings among university students. Expansion of meaning is a common process in human communication, particularly among young language users who assign new or additional meanings to existing words. The study examined the occurrence and use of meaning expansion in Kiswahili vocabulary, the reasons students expand meanings, and the role of meaning expansion in communication. The study employed a qualitative approach and a descriptive survey design, guided by Cognitive Semantics theory founded by Rosch (1978). The target population comprised students studying Kiswahili in universities in western Kenya. A sample of 320 students from three randomly selected universities participated in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews and analysed descriptively, with findings presented through descriptions and tables. The results showed that semantic expansion has several benefits in everyday communication, including enhancing privacy. The study concluded that meaning expansion is unavoidable because it is an integral part of language use and occurs naturally in day-to-day communication among Kiswahili speakers. The findings further revealed that some Kiswahili vocabulary has acquired new meanings that are commonly used during communication. The study is expected to contribute to the development of Kiswahili semantics by explaining the reasons for vocabulary expansion and the role of meaning expansion in communication among the youth. It will also provide useful data for academic and future research.

Keywords: Communication, Cognitive Semantics, Kiswahili vocabulary, meaning expansion, university students.