Syllable Structure

The chapter begins with an overview of possible syllable types in Chichewa. Possible consonant sequences and issues relating to their syllabification are taken up next. Epenthesis strategies for adapting loanwords from languages which allow a wider variety of consonant cluster types are discussed in detail. Processes of vowel deletion and syllable reduction which create syllabic nasals conclude the discussion of the syllabification of consonant sequences. Vowel sequences are also limited in Chichewa. Morphologically conditioned vowel hiatus resolution strategies are illustrated in detail.