دراسة تقابلية بين اللغتين العربية والسواحلية على مستوى المقطع الصوتي

Abstract

This study, titled "A Contrastive study of Arabic and Swahili at the Syllable Level", aims to analyze the syllabic structure of both languages by examining the patterns of syllables they employ to identify points of similarity and divergence. It also seeks to uncover the educational challenges arising from these differences, particularly for learners acquiring either language as a second or foreign language, or for those engaged in translation, interpretation, and media communication between the two. The study proposes pedagogical and linguistic solutions to address these challenges, while also exploring areas of facilitation resulting from shared features, to support language learning and enhance linguistic interaction.
The research is structured around five main sections, encompassing the study’s background, significance, objectives, and research questions; an analysis of syllable formation methodology in Swahili; an exploration of the philosophical foundations of syllable construction in Arabic; and a comprehensive contrastive comparison of the syllabic systems in both languages.
Findings revealed two shared syllable types between Arabic and Swahili: the short open syllable and the short closed syllable, indicating a common phonological structure that facilitates learning and promotes linguistic proximity. The study also highlighted the uniqueness of Swahili in possessing six distinct syllable patterns, whereas Arabic demonstrated three syllable types not found in Swahili.
In conclusion, the study presented key findings and recommendations that contribute to the advancement of linguistic and educational research, and to a deeper understanding of syllabic structures in both languages—serving the goals of education, translation, and cultural exchange.