Augment

The augment, also called the pre-prefix or just initial vowel, is a morpheme that is prefixed to the noun class prefix of nouns in certain Bantu languages. Shape The augment originates in the Proto-Bantu pronominal prefix, which is usually identical to the subject prefix of verbs. In some contemporary languages, such as Masaba, this shape has remained more or less unaltered. In others, the augment has been reduced to a simple vowel, often the vowel of the following noun class prefix (e.g. in Zulu umu-, ama-), or a lowered variety (Luganda omu-). Where the noun class prefix normally has a low tone, the augment has a high tone. The following table gives an overview of the shape of the augment in various languages: The Tekela Nguni languages have the augment only in some noun classes, but with a relatively predictable distribution: Swazi has the augment when the noun class prefix begins with a nasal consonant (class 1/3 umu-, 4 imi-, 6 ema-, 9 in-). Phuthi has the augment where the vowel of the noun class prefix is a (class 2 eba-, 6 ema-). Lala has an unusual distribution which depends on the structure of the noun stem itself: In class 1 and 3, the augment is present when the noun has the shape CV (munu "person", but derived diminutive unwana). In class 2, it is present with any noun beginning with a consonant (abanu "people", but boni "sinners"). In class 9, it is present on all nouns.