Les systèmes vocaliques du groupe C20 : contribution à Ndinga-Oba (2003)

Abstract

This paper is a contribution to Ndinga-Oba (2003. Tome 1)’s phonological description of the Bantu C20 languages. It starts by showing how the languages of this group can be grouped into systems according to how they share the same vowel constraints or not. We distinguishe four (4) systems for –CVCV roots and three (3) systems for –CVV roots. The paper also shows how vowel distribution is governed by precise principles with respect to the two types of roots (-CVCV or –CVV). They are the principle of features homogeneity and the principle of articulatory economy. The first one explains the forbidden combinations within the two types of roots while the second explains the specific cases of unidirectional vowel distribution in the –CVV roots.