A Comparative Analysis of Dialectical Variations Between the Debbarma and Kalai Dialects Within the Kokborok Language: With Special References on Phonological and Morphological Aspects
Volume 1, Issue 2 (December 2025)
Abstract
This research paper will provide a comparative analysis of the Debbarma and Kalai dialects, focusing on phonological and morphological aspects. While both dialects belong to the Kokborok language family, they exhibit variations in their phonemic systems, including the initial, medial, and final phonemes found within words. Additionally, the structures for word formation differ in certain instances between the two dialects. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the distinctions and similarities between the Debbarma and Kalai dialects within the Kokborok language framework. Numerous words in each dialect differ from one another due
to limited communication and the geographical distance between their speakers. Consequently, this research seeks to highlight both the differences and similarities in vocabulary between the two dialects through specific examples. The data for this study were collected through fieldwork, which included the preparation of questionnaires, personal interviews and the use of google forms distributed among speakers of the Kalai dialect. This research project aims to enhance understanding of the variations between the Debbarma and Kalai dialects and broader variability of dialects within the Kokborok language in the linguistic landscape.
to limited communication and the geographical distance between their speakers. Consequently, this research seeks to highlight both the differences and similarities in vocabulary between the two dialects through specific examples. The data for this study were collected through fieldwork, which included the preparation of questionnaires, personal interviews and the use of google forms distributed among speakers of the Kalai dialect. This research project aims to enhance understanding of the variations between the Debbarma and Kalai dialects and broader variability of dialects within the Kokborok language in the linguistic landscape.
Keywords
Kokborok
Dialect variations
Debbarma dialect
Kalai dialect
Phonology
Morphology