VOCABULARY COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO NILOTIC SPEAKING LANGUAGES (TEREGOTI AND AYIVUTI) UNDER LUGBARA TRIBE
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Date
2026-09-09
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Busitema Univrsity
Abstract
This study presents a descriptive and comparative analysis designed to investigate the lexical variations between the Teregoti and Ayivuti dialects of the Lugbara language. The primary problem addressed by this research centers on the notable structural, phonetic, and semantic differences existing between these two speech forms, which challenge the implementation of a unified Local Language Instruction (LLI) curriculum in lower primary schools. The primary objective was to delineate these vocabulary differences while offering targeted, data-driven guidance to educators in grades P1–P3 to improve classroom comprehension and student interaction.
Methodologically, the study utilized a Comparative Descriptive Research Design. Data collection involved a 60-item specialized wordlist (comprising 50 core vocabulary units and 10 subjectspecific educational terms) administered to 10 native elders, alongside questionnaires and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) conducted with 30 primary school teachers across 6 selected schools in the West Nile region. The gathered terms were systematically analyzed to calculate cognate percentages and determine a Lexical Divergence Index (LDI).
The empirical findings revealed substantial divergence, particularly within the domain-specific educational terminology, leading to the rejection of the Null Hypothesis. Based on these outcomes, the report provides a detailed breakdown of dialectal variations and introduces practical recommendations for structural dictionary development, flexible orthographic implementation, and specialized teacher preparation frameworks.