Ni Mvita ni Mvita?: Uchanganuzi wa Usuli wa Toponimi za Mitʰaa ya Mambasa, Kenya

Toponyms in Mombasa, Kenya, reflect deep linguistic and environmental connections that have evolved over time. This study reveals that the origins of place names in Mombasa's neighborhoods are distinct from those in other Kenyan coastal languages like Kimvit̪a, Kimijikenra, and Kipokomo, yet share similarities with Bantu languages from mainland Kenya. The research demonstrates that historical place names were closely tied to environmental features, while modern names increasingly reference buildings or objects. By analyzing data from elders and comparing it with established linguistic frameworks, the study provides new insights into the semantic diversity of Mombasa's toponyms, offering a fresh perspective on their historical significance and cultural heritage.

Karama, M. (2021). Ni Mvit̪a ni Mvita?: Uchanganuzi wa Usuli wa Toponimi za Mitʰaa ya Mambasa, Kenya. East African Journal of Swahili Studies, 3(1), 78–90. https://doi.org/10.37284/jammk.3.1.368