Negation in Languages: A Urhobo Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17507/jltr.1203.14Keywords:
Negation, negative marker, syntactic characteristics, tense, UrhoboAbstract
This paper examines negation and types of tense negation in Urhobo. It also identifies negation marker(s) and the manner in which these negation marker(s) are used in sentences. Transformational generative grammar theory of analysis was used in the work. The aim of this study is to determine the syntactic characteristics of negation in Urhobo. The study shows that negative construction in the Urhobo language involves the doubling of the last vowel of the last word in sentences; or what may be called the lengthening of the last vowel of the lexical item in the sentence. Also, the low-high tone can do the same function as the lexical or grammatical tone. It was observed that negation is a natural phenomenon that cuts across Urhobo, and that the orthographic representation of the low tone, which is the copying of the final vowel, is written contiguously while other negative markers are written separately. It was also observed that Urhobo operates suffixation. Finally, the study work reveals ejo, je, odie and and oyen as negative markers in Urhobo.
References
Ahamefuna, N.O. (2010). Negator in Igbo syntax. M.A seminar paper, Department of linguistics, Igbo and other Nigerian languages, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Anagbogu, P. N. (2005). The negativizing prefixes of Koring. In O. M. Ndimele (Ed). Treds in the study of languages and linguistics in Nigeria: A festschrift for Philip Akujuoobi Nwachukwu (pp. 574-582). Port Harcourt: Grannd Orbit communications and Emhai press.
Anagbou, P.N., Mbah, B.M. & Eme, C. A. (2010). Introduction to linguistics (2nded.). Anambra: Amaka Dreams Ltd.
Asogwa, P.N., Nwaozuzu, G.I. & Mbah, B.M. (2013). Syntactic constraints in Igbo. Nsukka Working Paper in Language, Linguistics, and Literature (NWPLLL), 1(1&2) 108-144.
Aziza, R.O. (2004). Negation in Southwestern Ediod: The case of Urhobo. Proceeding, 4th world congress of African Linguistics, New Brunswick, in A. Akinlabi and O. Adeola (Eds.), pp. 165-174, kolin: Rudiger Koppe.
Aziza, R.O. (2005). Phonological process in Urhobo. Lecture Note Abraka, Delta State University.
Aziza, R.O. & Mowarin, M. (2006). Phonology-syntax interface in derivation of yes/no question and sentential negation in Urhobo. JOLAN: Journal of the Linguistics Association of Nigeria No. 9 2005/2006.
Chomsky, N. (1957). Syntactic structures: The Haggue Mouton. Massachussels, MIT press.
Chomsky, N. (1964). Formal discussion on. The development of grammar in child language by W. Miller & S. Ervin, in B. Belligi & R. Brown (Eds). The Acquisition of language. (Monographs of sociology for research in child development 92) Child Development Publication
Chomsky, N. (1965). Aspect of the theory of syntax. Massachussels, MIT Press.
Crystal, D. (2008). A dictionary of linguistics and phonetics. Oxford: Blackwell.
Donwa, E. (1982). The sounds system of Isoko. Ph.D thesis, University of Ibadan.
Kelly, N. (2013).Transformational generative grammar and biblical studies. www.tgg research-paper-final-for-blog.pdf. retrieved on 15/01/17.
Manda, I. M. (2012). Negativisation in Bassa language. UJAH: Unizik Journal of Arts and Humanities, 3 (1) 92-105.
Mbah, B.M. (1999). Studies in syntax: Igbo phrase structure. Nsukka Prise Publishers
Mbah, B.M. (2006). G.B. syntax: Theory and application to Igbo. Enugu. Enugu: St. Jon-Afam Publications
Newmeyer, F. J. (1980). Linguistic theory in America. London and New York: A.P.I
.Ndimele, O. M. (1992). The parameters of universal grammar. A G. B. Approach. Owerri: African Education Services
Ndimele, O.M. (2005). Negation marking in Igbo, in O.M. Ndimele (Ed.), Trens in the study of languages and linguistics in Nigeria: A festschrift for Philip Akujuoobi Nwachukwu (pp. 939-956). Port Harcourt: Grand Orbit Communication and Emhai Press.
Nwarungwa, J. O. (2013). Negation i0#n Nwa dailect. M.A seminar paper, Department of Linguistics, Igbo and other Nigerian Languages, Nsukka. University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Nwaozuzu, G.I. (2008). Dialects of the Igbo Language. Nsukka: University of Nigeria, Nsukka Press Ltd.
Odii, B.C. (2016). Negation in the Okposi Lect of Igbo. Ph.D seminar paper, Department of linguistics, Igbo and Nigerian languages, Nsukka. University of Nigeria Nsukka.
Omamor, A.P. (n.d). Introduction to the phonology of Okpe. Ms, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Taiwo, B.O. (2009). Advanced syntax. A class discussion. Ibadan, University of Ibadan.
Teke, G.T (2004). Negative polarity in Metta (Uta). In O. Ndimele (Ed.) Language and culture in Nigeria: A festschrift for Okon Essien (pp, 823-830). Port Harcourt: Emahi Printing and Publishing Co
Ukere, A. O. (2004). Syntax of Urhobo. A class discussion. Abraka, Delta State University.
Zeijistra, H.H. (2004). Sentential negation and negative concord. Amsterdam: JK Utrecht.
