Journal statistics
How to use the archive
When the cursor changes from an arrow to a pointing finger, it indicates a link that you may click on to select that item.
The blue buttons at the top can be selected to return to the overview or to run a search for specific information.
Most volumes have been split into two parts, each with separate articles. When you select a specific number, all of the articles will be listed with details of the author, date of publication, language and the size of the file that will be downloaded if you choose that option. Just click on the yellow "Download" button to transfer a copy of the article to your own computer or device.
- Language Family: Kwa
- Topic #1: Phonology
Rules and rule relations in Akan day names
Abstract
This paper examines the formation of day names in Akan within linear (rule-based) and non-linear phonology. It reveals the mechanisms available in Akan phonology for lexicalization of day names: phonological rules apply to weaken, delete, insert or modify linguistic units in the derivation of day names. The paper provides evidence for the rule ordering in the derivation. The rule relations of feeding, bleeding, counterfeeding and counterbleeding, can be supported in the formation of day names in Akan. Differences in Twi and Fante day names are functions of differences in rule ordering in their subgrammars of the Akan language. For example, there is the dispreference of ja after a syllable (*ơ.ja) in day names. This is repaired by either deleting the syllable preceeding ja, or by deleting ja itself. The fact that Twi and Fante dialects of Akan order the two rules differently accounts for the formal difference in day names such as: aba (Fante) ~ jaa (Twi); kwaw (Fante) ~ jaw (Twi); and esi (Fante) ~ akosçija (Twi). There are other formal differences between the two dialects that are equally due to difference in their rule ordering.