AN INVESTIGATION INTO DIALECTAL VARIATIONS IN KUPSAPIINY
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Date
2026-06-03
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Gulu University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate dialectal variations in Kupsapiiny. The study sought to examine phonological, lexical and grammatical differences in Kupsapiiny dialects as well as the attitudes of speakers towards the dialects of the language. The study employed a mixed-method approach: quantitative and qualitative approaches, guided by comparative, descriptive and cross-sectional designs. Stratified sampling was used to ensure there were representative respondents from the three dialects (Koongasiis, Kween and Tinkeey), whereas simple random sampling was used to ensure that all the above-mentioned respondents had an equal chance of being a part of the research activity; purposive sampling was used to select middle-aged respondents and elders. The study utilized conversational modules, elicitation exercises, structured interviews, document analysis, as well as focus group discussions, to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. While quantitative data was presented using figures (graphs), qualitative data was presented descriptively with the help of tables, which eased analyses. The study findings revealed that variations exist in phonology, lexicon and grammar. Specifically, under phonological differences, two parameters were identified in Kupsapiiny dialects: lexical distribution and phonotactic distribution (cf. Wells, 1982). For the cases of lexical differences, variation was common in nouns, while, in grammar, differences were noticeable in singularisation and pluralisation. Furthermore, the findings showed that the Kween dialect speakers have a positive attitude towards their own dialect and a negative one towards the other two (Koongasiis and Tinkeey); the Koongasiis dialect speakers exhibited a positive attitude towards the Kween dialect and a negative attitude towards their own and the Tinkeey dialect, while the Tinkeey dialect speakers demonstrated a positive attitude towards their own and a negative one towards the other two dialects (Koongasiis and Kween). Therefore, the study recommends that community programmes should be carried out in order to promote inclusivity and address the issue of stigma.
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CHEBET NASTA (2026) AN INVESTIGATION INTO DIALECTAL VARIATIONS IN KUPSAPIINY