The Linguistics Morphological Conundrum of Prefix (um-): Noun Class 1 and Noun Class 3(um-): PGCE isiXhosa Students as Non-Mother Tongue

Abstract

The study examines the confusion or linguistic distortion between the noun class 1 and the noun class 3 prefixes on the isiXhosa noun class table, where both classes begin with the prefix um-. The morphological approach in word development confuses non-isiXhosa student speakers.  This challenge and confusion are embedded in the lesson experience when teaching the noun classes (“umfundisi,” which is a noun class 1, and “umlambo,” which is a noun class 3). The non-isiXhosa students raised this as a problem, citing confusion between the two nouns that do not belong to the same class. In addition, the question was, “Why not come from the same class?” Therefore, this article will demonstrate, highlight, and address the ongoing confusion in linguistics' morphological repertoire, adopting the morphology theory (Aspect of Morphological Theory) to explain and clarify the differences between these two classes. The narrative literature review design will be used to navigate the continuous challenge. Non-isiXhosa students require a clear explanation of these differences, and teachers need to understand their backgrounds. The thematic analysis must be used to identify and project themes in response to this problem.