This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
What is a Mofimu? ¶
A mofimu is the smallest unit of a word that conveys its meaning. There are two types of mofimu: free and dependent.
Free mofimu is a single or multiple syllable that has a complete meaning of a word and is self-sufficient.
Examples of free mofimu include 'mti' and 'nyumba'.
Dependent mofimu, on the other hand, requires prefixes to bring out its intended meaning. Often, it includes the root of a word.
Examples of dependent mofimu include 'ni-me-ku-j-a' and 'ni-kiambishi cha nafsi ya kwanza umoja'.
What is a Viambishi? ¶
A viambishi is a prefix that helps to bring out the intended meaning of a word. There are different types of viambishi, including:
Viambishi Awali ¶
Viambishi awali occur before the root of a word.
Examples of viambishi awali include 'a-me-end-a' and 'zi-me-ni-shik-a'.
Viambishi Tamati ¶
Viambishi tamati occur after the root of a word.
Examples of viambishi tamati include 'nimefik-a' and 'tuendele-e'.
Source: Tuko.co.ke
