Language/Swahili-individual-language/Grammar/Nominalization

Swahili (individual language) Grammar → Advanced Topics in Swahili Grammar → Nominalization

As we move further into our Swahili (individual language) course, we will be tackling some of the more advanced topics in Swahili grammar. One such topic is nominalization, which is the process of changing a verb or adjective into a noun. In Swahili, nominalization is achieved through the use of prefixes, suffixes, and infixes.

Nominalization is an important aspect of Swahili grammar and is used extensively in both written and spoken Swahili. By learning about nominalization, you will be able to express yourself more clearly and in a more nuanced way.

Prefixes

Prefixes are a common way to nominalize verbs in Swahili. Let's take the verb "kula" (to eat) as an example. To nominalize "kula", we can add the prefix "ku-" to form the noun "kula" (eating). Here are some examples:

Swahili (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Kula	/ku.la/	Eating

As you can see from the example, adding the prefix "ku-" changes the verb "kula" into the noun "kula" which means eating.

Another example of using prefixes for nominalization is with the verb "kufikiri" (to think). To nominalize this verb, we can add the prefix "ufi-" to form the noun "ufikiri" (thought). Here are some examples:

Swahili (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Ufikiri	/u.fi.ki.ɾi/	Thought

As with the previous example, adding the prefix changes the verb into the noun.

Suffixes

Suffixes are another way to nominalize verbs in Swahili. Let's take the verb "piga" (to hit) as an example. To nominalize "piga", we can add the suffix "-o" to form the noun "pigao" (a hit). Here are some examples:

Swahili (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Pigao	/pi.ɡa.o/	A hit

As you can see, adding the suffix "-o" changes the verb "piga" into the noun "pigao", which means a hit.

Another example of using suffixes for nominalization is with the adjective "nzuri" (good). To nominalize this adjective, we can add the suffix "-faa" to form the noun "faida" (benefit). Here are some examples:

Swahili (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Faida	/fa.i.da/	Benefit

As with the previous example, adding the suffix changes the adjective into a noun.

Infixes

Infixes are a less common way to nominalize verbs in Swahili, but they are still used. Let's take the verb "fanya" (to do) as an example. To nominalize "fanya", we can add the infix "-ni-" to form the noun "fanyni" (doing). Here are some examples:

Swahili (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Fanyni	/fa.ni:.ni/	Doing

As you can see, adding the infix "-ni-" changes the verb "fanya" into the noun "fanyni", which means doing.

Another example of using infixes for nominalization is with the verb "soma" (to read). To nominalize this verb, we can add the infix "-ji-" to form the noun "somoji" (subject of study). Here are some examples:

Swahili (individual language)	Pronunciation	English
Somoji	/so.mo:.ji/	Subject of study

As with the previous example, adding the infix changes the verb into the noun.

Conclusion

Nominalization is an important aspect of Swahili grammar, and it is used extensively in both written and spoken Swahili. By understanding the different ways of nominalizing verbs and adjectives in Swahili, including their uses and functions, you will be able to express yourself more clearly and in a more nuanced way. I recommend practicing nominalization by creating sentences with the examples we've learned today.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Table of Contents - Swahili (individual language) Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Swahili Grammar

• Nouns
• Verbs
• Cases
• Adjectives

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Greetings and Farewells
• Names and Nationalities
• Numbers and Counting
• Days, Months, and Seasons

  ---

Swahili Culture and Society

• History of Swahili
• Food and Drink
• Music and Dance
• Religion and Beliefs

  ---

Swahili Syntax

• Word Order
• Negation
• Questions
• Dependent Clauses

  ---

At Home and Around Town

• House and Home
• Travel and Transportation
• Shopping and Commerce
• Medical and Health

  ---

Swahili Literature and Art

• Oral Narratives
• Visual Arts
• Contemporary Literature
• Popular Culture

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Advanced Topics in Swahili Grammar

• Conditional Clauses
• Passive Voice
• Causative Verbs
• Nominalization

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Nature and the Environment

• Animals and Wildlife
• Plants and Vegetation
• Environmental Issues
• Geography and Landscapes

  ---

Swahili Festivals and Celebrations

• Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
• Sherehe za Mapinduzi
• Weddings and Marriage
• Maji and the Maridadi

  ---

Idioms and Proverbs

• Idioms
• Proverbs
• Swahili Dialects
• Slang and Colloquialisms

Related Lessons

• Verbs
• Questions
• Give your Opinion
• Swahili Dialects
• Future Tense
• 0 to A1 Course
• Passive Voice
• Word Order
• Adjectives
• Causative Verbs