Department of Linguistics, African and Asian Studies

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    Open Access
    100 years of Literary Enterprise in Indigenous Nigerian Languages: Trends, Challenges and Prospects
    (Journal of the School of Languages, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Ondo, 2015-06-14) Ikwubuzo, I.
    Early this year, Nigeria celebrated her first centenary of nationhood. It afforded her an opportunity to appraise the level of development she has, over these years of nation building, attained in various spheres politics, economy, technology, education, health, national integration, capacity building, among others. Her strength, weaknesses, successes, failures, various setbacks and challenges, all have been x-rayed by various analysts. It is also worthwhile to extend such appraisal to the developmental strides Nigeria has made through, and in the area of literature in her indigenous languages. This paper, therefore, attempts to survey, with particular reference to Igbo literature, the development of literature indigenous Nigerian languages, its emergence, some of the past and present challenges encountered in its studies, the progress made, its utilitarian value, and prospects for further growth. It concludes that in spite of the challenges literature in Nigerian Languages has witnessed, and is still witnessing, in the course of its development, the trends, as exemplified by the situations in Igbo and Yoruba literature in this paper, reveal a significant steady growth and potentials to advance further if the right attitude is shown, such as automatic employment for graduates of Nigerian languages, increase in admission quota for Nigerian languages in our tertiary institutions, among others.
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    Open Access
    ‘A Minimalist Syntax of Yoruba Splitting Verbs
    (Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 2016) Ilọri, J.F.
    While the literature on Yoruba splitting verbs affirms that every verb in the group splits to sandwich its object, very little is known about how the process really comes by. This paper investigates this group of verbs in Yoruba looking especially at their syntactic frame and features in both causative and inchoative constructions. Employing theoretical insights from minimalist grammar with data evidence from Standard and Central Yoruba dialects, it argues that such verbs are base generated in the core VP before their first halves are raised to lexicalize the functional light v within the outer VP shell. The paper concludes that Yoruba splitting verbs are complex lexemes entered in the lexicon as single units of word items before they get selected and merged to their nominal c-selected complement in the syntax.
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    Open Access
    A Morpho-Semantic Study of Okun Names: Implications for Okun Linguistic Identity
    (2021) Ilọri, J.F.; Arẹ, O.
    The commonest names among the Okun people are those typically borne by all Yoruba groups (e.g. Olusọla, Ọlọrunfẹmi, Awoniyi, Ogungbemi, Faniyi, Adebayọ, Kayọde, etc.). However, names (such as Ayinmiro, Alemika, Berida, Iyekolo, Melaye, Makele, etc.) which are peculiar to the Okun groups and exclusively based on the linguistic structure of their dialects are not as common as the general Yoruba names either as first names or as surnames. Interestingly, many speakers of other Yoruba dialects in South West Nigeria are hardly aware of the Yorubaness of such names as they often erroneously associate them with other tribes in Nigeria. Furthermore, the use of Okun indigenous names is in recession as many people, natives inclusive, no longer use them nor know what they mean. This paper investigates the linguistic structures of Okun exclusive names with a view to descriptively analysing how they are morpho-syntactically and semantically constructed, and how these constructions demonstrate clear ancient affinity with other Yoruba groups. Findings show that Okun indigenous names have well-known Yoruba culture and language structures which range from frozen/lexicalized clauses (both simple and complex), noun phrases, and nominalised VPs involving morphosyntactic and morphophonemic processes such as prefixation, desententialisation, clipping, contraction, assimilation, and deletion. All these combined tend to make the names culturally unique and interesting. Given the overwhelming evidence from the morpho-syntax and semantics of the Okun indigenous names investigated, which evidently align well with what obtains in Standard Yoruba and other well studied dialects of the language, the study concludes that Okunlects are linguistically integral to the Yoruba dialect continuum.
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    Open Access
    A Syntactic Analysis of Yorùbá Anaphora System’. AMU
    (Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, 2005) Ilọri, J.F.
    Full texts attached
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    Open Access
    A Syntactic Reappraisal of Polar Question Constructions in Igb
    (2021) Ilori, J.F.; Onuora, J.
    Assumptions in the literature suggest that Igbo language employs a combination of a low-tone and a resumptive pronoun which agrees with R-expression subjects of question clauses to derive polar questions. This study, however, additionally identifies a high-pitch intonation, apparently missed out in the earlier studies, as a crucial functional item in Igbo polar questions (IPQs henceforth). This informs a reappraisal of the syntactic projection of IPQ constructions undertaken in this paper. Relying on insights from minimalist grammar and other works within the generative tradition alongside acoustic investigation of pitch tracks of relevant speech samples on Praat, the paper proposes a complex but split pre-clausal functional morpheme which subcategorizes for declarative TPs as complement and subsequently, via internal merge, optionally sandwiches either the Pronominal/R-expression subject of IPQs or the whole of the declarative TP of IPQs having clause-final particles to derive convergent polar question constructions in the language.
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    Open Access
    A Syntactic Reappraisal of Polar Question Constructions in Igbo
    (2021) Ilọri, J.F.; Onuora, J.
    Assumptions in the literature suggest that Igbo language employs a combination of a low-tone and a resumptive pronoun which agrees with R-expression subjects of question clauses to derive polar questions. This study, however, additionally identifies a high-pitch intonation, apparently missed out in the earlier studies, as a crucial functional item in Igbo polar questions (IPQs henceforth). This informs a reappraisal of the syntactic projection of IPQ constructions undertaken in this paper. Relying on insights from minimalist grammar and other works within the generative tradition alongside acoustic investigation of pitch tracks of relevant speech samples on Praat, the paper proposes a complex but split pre-clausal functional morpheme which subcategorizes for declarative TPs as complement and subsequently, via internal merge, optionally sandwiches either the Pronominal/R-expression subject of IPQs or the whole of the declarative TP of IPQs having clause-final particles to derive convergent polar question constructions in the language.
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    Open Access
    A Syntactic Reappraisal of Polar Question Constructions in Igbo
    (2021) Ilọri, J.F.; Onuora, J.
    Assumptions in the literature suggest that Igbo language employs a combination of a low-tone and a resumptive pronoun which agrees with R-expression subjects of question clauses to derive polar questions. This study, however, additionally identifies a high-pitch intonation, apparently missed out in the earlier studies, as a crucial functional item in Igbo polar questions (IPQs henceforth). This informs a reappraisal of the syntactic projection of IPQ constructions undertaken in this paper. Relying on insights from minimalist grammar and other works within the generative tradition alongside acoustic investigation of pitch tracks of relevant speech samples on Praat, the paper proposes a complex but split pre-clausal functional morpheme which subcategorizes for declarative TPs as complement and subsequently, via internal merge, optionally sandwiches either the Pronominal/R-expression subject of IPQs or the whole of the declarative TP of IPQs having clause-final particles to derive convergent polar question constructions in the language.
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    Open Access
    THE ALPHA PHALLUS AND THE MODERATED SPACE FOR THE IGBO WOMAN: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC APPROACH
    (Abraka Humanistic Review: a Journal of the Faculty of Arts, 2017-08-01) Oyeka, C.N.
    The phallus symbolizes the power of the male reproductive organ. The societal perception of the phallus reflects in language which is one of the crucial factors in the societal construction of the world. It is observed that elevated expressions are used for the phallus while lower ones are used for the female reproductive organ in the Igbo society. The study sets out to examine the alpha phallus and the moderated space for the Igbo woman, with a view to finding out the elevated expressions and their lower counterparts, classifying them according to their meanings, the reason(s) behind them and the societal attitude towards them. A qualitative approach was adopted and primary data was sourced through interviews. Fifty adult male and female respondents from different Igbo communities were purposively sampled and interviewed. The research adopted the muted group theory for analysis of this work. Findings illustrate that the Igbo society is a patriarchal one and women have traditionally been subordinate to men. The imbalance reflects in language, hence, the more names and the exalted position for the phallus and a moderated one for the vagina. While thirty-five percent of the women interviewees see nothing wrong with the moderated space for the vagina, sixty-five percent acknowledge and admit the adverse effect of the slant both in the naming and the meanings for the two reproductive organs has on women. For the men, they see nothing wrong with the names and meanings. The positions given the two organs affect both sexes, men positively and women negatively. The study advocates that equal expressions should be used for the two reproductive organs as they complement each other. More so, Igbo maxims which express the power of the vagina should not only be documented, but should be used in mixed company; this will go a long way in helping the women to see themselves from a positive position and encourage them to contribute maximally to the running of the society.
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    Open Access
    Analysing Yoruba Bare Nouns as DP
    (Lagos Notes and Records, Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, 2009-12-15) Ajíbóyè, O
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    Open Access
    An Analysis to the Poems and Life of Tao Yuan-Ming (365-427)
    (A Publication of Nagpur University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India, 2014-05-05) Banwo, A.
    A man that was not appreciated during his lifetime has risen to be one of the greatest poets of Chinese History. His works echoes the uneasiness and fretfulness that overwhelmed the Chinese society at his time while living during the era of disunity of the six dynasties. His ability to put his thoughts about nature, society, sages and agriculture expresses a beautiful and vivid literary work that other poets has looked up to and admired. This work sets out to examine the life and great works of Tao Yuan-Ming (365-427) while living through a life of reclusion was able to transcend his thoughts into poetic works that stands in modern time; it also sets to analyze his profound thoughts within the era of his lifestyle to understand his linguistic conceptualizations.
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    Open Access
    Animate-object-characters in the Yorùbá Indigenous Healthcare Delivery System: A Literary Appraisal
    (FUNAI Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2014-01-01) Orimoogunje, O.C
    This paper attempts to show how symbolism is related to animate-object-characters in the indigenous healthcare practices in the Yorùbá race taking into consideration the metaphorical level and socio-cultural contexts. It has been observed that much interest has not been shown in the Yorùbá verbal arts as used on health-related issues. Thus, the paper contributes to the understanding of the therapeutic aspect of Yorùbá orature by exhibiting the utilitarian nature of the verbal art healing system. The paper concludes by calling for more research on the importance of orature in the healing system.
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    Open Access
    AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL APPRAISAL OF THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN IGBO MATERIAL PHILOSOPHY
    (The Quint: University College of the North, Canada., 2018-10-03) Oyeka, C.N.
    The Igbo are known to be very diligent. They abhor laziness and work hard to build their economy. In terms of wealth, men and women are viewed from different perspectives by the society. Women are often perceived by the society as consumers of men’s wealth. This work sets out to investigate the position of women in Igbo material philosophy with the aim of finding out their contributions and recognition. Mixed research method was employed in carrying out the study. The researcher adopted critical discourse analysis as a theory for analysis of this work. Findings reveal that Igbo women work very hard together with their male counterparts to build their economy. During the Nigerian civil war, when men were in the war front, women upheld the economy of the Igbo nation. There is a bias in language in terms of the representation of women, for only the negative sides of women are projected and there is silence concerning their positive attributes. The study reveals patriarchy as the reason behind the veiling of women’s economic contributions. The work advocates that the role of women should be linguistically visible. The visibility of women in language will encourage them to work harder in supporting their male counterparts in building a formidable society.
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    Open Access
    APETUNPE ORO-ORUKO AJEMOSOYE ALAINIGBEDEKE LEDE YORUBA
    (Akungba Journal of Linguistics and Literatures, 2010-02-01) Ajíbóyè, O
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    Open Access
    Articulatory Mapping of Yoruba Vowels:
    (2013) Allen, B.; Pulleyblank, D.; Ajíbóyè, O
    This paper examines the articulation of harmonically distinct classes of vowels in Standard Yoruba. There has been considerable disagreement as to whether the distinction between (e.o] and [[E :)) is one of vowel height or tongue- root advancement/ retraction feature. This paper reports on an ultrasound investigation of Yoruba vowels. Results are consistent with harmonic classes distinguished by a tongue-rood advancement /retraction feature, not by vowel height. -We also investigate the relation between articulations of the tongue root and its neutral position between utterances, the Inter speech posture (lSP). We find more variability in ISP-to-articulation mapping than previous studies, but our results arc still partially compatible with a postulated correlation between phonologically "active'' feature values and articulatory d displacement from ISP. Overall, our results support an analysis of Yoruba vowels in terms of a tongue-root feature, and provide insight into the mapping between phonetics and phonology.
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    Open Access
    ASPECTS OF SOUND IN ALOR DIALECT
    (Ihafa: A Journal of African Studies, 2019-10-01) Oyeka, C.N.
    Dialects are very rich asserts in the enrichment of Standard form of every language. Observation shows that some people look down on dialects as non-standard forms. Among the Igbo, one often hears the complaint that Igbo language is not complete. This paper explores the syntax and phonological aspects of the Alor dialect of Igbo with a view of identifying their similarities and differences with the Standard Igbo. The researcher, who has mastery of the two forms, compared data from the two dialects. Findings reveal that Alor dialect replaces the phones /r, v, f/which are absent in the inventory of their speech sounds with /l, h,hw/ respectively. Alor dialect is also rich in verbless sentences. Harnessing the phones and some words in Alor dialect will go a long way in enriching the Standard form of Igbo language. Key words: dialects, Alor, language, syntax and phonology.
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    Open Access
    Assimilation in the Mkporo Dialect of Igbo
    (African Cultural Institute, 2004) Okafor, E. E.
    Staff Publications
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    Open Access
    Assimilation, Deletion and Vowel Harmony in Moba, Igbomina, Owe and Akure: Dialects of Yoruba
    (Journal of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, 2013-01-03) Ajíbóyè, O
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    Open Access
    Categorial Status of Yoruba Attributive Modifiers
    (2016) Ilọri, J.F.
    This paper re-examines claims in the literature that Yoruba attributive words such as dúdú black’, pupa ‘red’, funfun ‘white’, etc., which function as modifiers of N, are adjectives. It provides data and analytic evidence to show that the items have the morphology and syntax of nominals. The fact that the items in question have the syntactic distribution and morphology of nouns; semantically refer to attributive features such as colour, size, quantity, etc. of concrete nouns; and sometimes function as verbs with the same phonetic forms informs the conclusion that they are not canonic adjectives but derived nouns converted to verbs and possibly adjectives, respectively, via a N→V/A conversion process. It equally argues that forms like burúkú ‘bad’ and wé ̣é ̣ré ̣ ‘small (-bits)’are morpho-syntactically fused compounds consisting of verb + degree adverb.
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    Open Access
    CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN MARITAL NAMES AMONG THE IGBO PEOPLE OF NIGERIA: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC INVESTIGATION
    (Interdisciplinary Journal of African & Asian Studies, 2017-01-03) Oyeka, C.N
    Marital names are names used among couples. It is observed that there are some changes in Igbo marital names. This paper sets out to investigate the changes. A qualitative approach was adopted and primary data were sourced through interviews. Thirty seven adult male and female respondents from different Igbo communities were purposively sampled and interviewed. The Afrocentric theory was adopted for the analysis of this work. Findings reveal that Igbo marital names changed from that of the Lord-Servant to companionship names. The later trend in the marital names is completely devoid of Igbo language and culture. The noticed changes are as a result of language contact. This paper concludes by advocating that though changes in society and language are inevitable, the Igbo should not lose sight of their culture especially as it regards marriage. Moreso, the Igbo should preserve her identity through her language by using Igbo marital names.
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    Open Access
    Children’s Wh-questions acrossLanguages: Some Preliminary Results
    (Somerville, MA: Cascadilla Press, 2022) Yatsushiro, K.; Dal Farra, C.; Gonzalez, A.; Hein, J.; Silleresi, S.; Avellana, A.; Huang, A.; Ilọri, J.F.; Krishnan, G.G.; Pintér, L.; Guasti, M.T.; Sauerland, U.
    This paper investigates the acquisition of wh-questions in five different languages: German, Hungarian, Malayalam, Mandarin and Yoruba. It does so by focusing on the production of five structures, which were tested across all languages on the basis of (nearly) identical material. These included subject who-questions (1a) and object who-questions (1b), subject which-questions (1c) and object which- questions (1d), and object what-questions (1e). In this paper we will focus only onwho- and which-questions. (1) a. Who is pushing the ant? b. Who are the horses pulling? c. Which ladybug is waking the cats? d. Which duck is the rabbit pushing? e. What is the woman drawing? Acquisition of wh-questions has been extensively investigated in the litera- ture, but most of the studies focused on the comprehension of these structures