| 1 |
Author(s):
Isaiah Adebola (Ph.D.), Tella Samson Adekunle.
Page No : 1-19
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Prosodic Analysis of Noun Class Markers in the Syntax of Bàtọ̀nu Language.
Abstract
The grammatical derivation of languages varies, leading to language specificity. In particular, languages with noun classes have unique methods of realizing them through prefixing and sometimes suffixing, such as in the Bàtọ̀nu language. This study focuses on the interface between syntax and phonology in the grammatical realization of the noun class system in the Bàtọ̀nu language, spoken in the Baruteen Local Government Area of Kwara State in Nigeria. Interviews were conducted to gather data, supplemented by secondary sources. Theoretical principles from Government and Binding Theory (GB) and Autosegmental Phonology were used to represent sentence structure and the tonal analysis of the data. Previous research established that the language has seven noun class markers (NCM). We found that phonological features, such as labialization, nasalization, and tone, can influence and determine the grammatical functions of class markers in languages that attest to them. In the case of Bàtọ́nu NCM, the tone is the determining factor. We assume that the class markers are unmarked at the underlying representaion (UR), and when a floating high tone (HT) is assigned to the NCM underlyingly, they function as class markers. When a floating mid-tone (MT) is assigned, they become relative clause marker variants, and when in contact with the HT focus morpheme -á in focus constructions in the language, they function as focus marker variants.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Agbeye Oburumu, Sophia Forteta.
Page No : 20-27
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Metaphorical Transfigurations: Symbolism and its Dynamics in Tewfik Al-Hakim’s Fate of a Cockroach.
Abstract
Within the convoluted theatrical universe of Tewfik Al-Fate Hakim's Cockroach, metaphor and symbolism emerge as potent instruments of societal critique and existential investigation. The seemingly mundane setting of a kitchen serves as a springboard for profound philosophical reflection in Al-Hakim's work, which is the focus of this paper's analysis. In order to probe the depths of human consciousness beyond literal interpretation, this study analyses Al-Hakim's use of symbolism and metaphor. A symbol of resiliency and existential battle is the cockroach, a lowly bug, a sign of primordial instincts, while the cat represents innate drives and the relentless course of fate. Also, the kitchen is a microcosm of society's dynamics, reflecting problems of existential misery and structural inequity. This study explores the human condition profoundly and invites readers to embark on a life-changing quest to understand the metaphorical and symbolic implication of the play.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Omisakin Adeyemi Matthew, Olofin Olufunmilayo Lara, Abobarin Adewale Adebanjo, Adesiyan Oyinade Funke.
Page No : 28-37
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Discourse Markers, Coherence and Its Impact on Cognitive Interpretation of Texts.
Abstract
A successful communication is evaluated by the ability of the audience to effectively comprehend the essence of a communication and to respond accordingly. Meanwhile, a communicative discourse is considered effective in its characteristics of demonstrating natural pauses, fillers, among others which helps to communicate ideas more easily and naturally. Engaging any kind of discourse in coherent and fluent manners to enhance effective communication is sacrosanct to a communicator. This study focuses on the system of how discourse markers are instrumental to text fluency, coherence and above all how they function and consciously structured to aid effective interpretations of a discourse. The study also attempts to examine the functional complexity of discourse markers in cohesive texts. The work relies on the views of many discourse and stylistic analysts not only to investigate the relationship between discourse markers and textual composition but to also address how instrumental they to effective comprehension of a text. The study finds out that Discourse Markers are not only characterised with linguistic devices that enhances textual coherence and fluency but also provide discourse clues that are instrumental to effective organisation of ideas and effective comprehension of meanings in a text.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Nasir Umar Abdullahi (Ph.D.).
Page No : 38-46
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Ngugi Wa Thiang’o’s Early Studentship: The Role of Education in the Making of a Great African Literary Writer.
Abstract
Do you know that most prolific or acclaimed writers the world celebrates have detected their talent since in their prime? Do you also know that some renowned writers taught themselves or were taught by their masters at home prior they began to write? Do you know that some of them have not acquired profound formal education up to the university? Yet, it should be known that there are innumerable others, who greatly vary, for they have deeply studied instead. Writing is a natural prodigy; hence it requires no profound literacy to blossom. Take some immediate common instances in mind: Daniel Dafoe, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, D.H. Lawrence, Virginia Woolf, Joseph Conrad, Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Sembene Ousemene, Wole Soyinka, Aye Kwei Armah, Naguib Mahfouz, Ngugi wa Thiang’o to name just but a few. At any rate, education is the fulcrum and the nucleus to writing no matter how little it is acquired. This is the focus of which this paper is concerned about. Its prime goal is to unveil how Ngugi’s early educational sojourn from the primary school through to the university has rolled out the writing carpet for him to step on as a novice writer, and to keep striding on it, with varying degrees of artistic, strength and vigour, which subsequently cleared the challenging path for him to emerge as a legendary and dynamic African writer.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ibrahim Sani, Abdulhakim Saidu.
Page No : 47-58
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Highlighting the Best English Teaching Method for Katsina State Secondary Schools: Communicative Versus Traditional.
Abstract
This study was undertaken to highlight the best English teaching method in Katsina state secondary schools by comparing communicative method (CLT) against traditional method (GTM) to ascertain the best approach for teaching Grammar, vocabulary, written composition, oral composition, and oral English. The study population comprised all 2023/2024 SS2 students of public secondary schools in Katsina State. It deploys experimental design which involved gathering quantitative data from the students’ post-tests to assess their mastery of these language skills. In order to analyze the collected data, the researchers utilized the SPSS (IBM Statistical Processor Version 25) for precise and efficient processing, generating various necessary outputs to draw meaningful conclusions. Based on the findings, with the exception of teaching grammar which revealed no significant difference as the p-value was.003 which is below .05, CLT proved to be more impactful compared to traditional method in teaching the other four subjects. To this end, the researchers recommend full implementation of CLT method at Senior Secondary Schools in Katsina State. Similarly, it is suggested that CLT and GTM should be blended in teaching grammar in order to help students to learn the grammatical structures of English and use them in a meaningful and engaging way.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Blessing Kwaghdoo Shikaa .
Page No : 59-67
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Analysis of the Experiential Metafunction in the Lyrics of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”.
Abstract
This study employs a qualitative content analysis method to explore the experiential metafunction within the lyrics of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song." The methodology comprises acquiring the song lyrics from credible sources and scrutinizing them to identify the processes, participants, and circumstances depicted within the composition. The analytical approach focuses on understanding how these elements contribute to the narrative and thematic depth of the song. Through the analysis, several key findings emerge: Participant 1 varies between personal pronouns, groups, and abstract entities, representing different facets of the narrative and thematic elements. Material processes predominate, highlighting the tangible struggle for freedom depicted in the song. Participant 2 encompasses various entities affected by the actions of Participant 1, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the struggle for liberation. Circumstances provide additional details about the actions, contextualizing them within specific timeframes, locations, mannerisms, and motivations. This analysis offers a comprehensive understanding of how Bob Marley utilized language to construct a powerful and impactful message of redemption and empowerment in his iconic song. By investigating into the experiential metafunction, this study sheds light on the intricacies of Marley's lyrical style and the enduring relevance of his music in addressing social and spiritual liberation.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Bello Danladi Dogondaji (Ph.D.).
Page No : 68-79
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The Morphological Study of Colour Terms in Nigerian English.
Abstract
The paper investigates the nature of morphological processes of colour terms among the users of English in Nigeria and their syntactic usages using a multi dimensional approach in data gathering. The data was drawn from one hundred subjects across ten ethnic groups, including Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba as well as fifteen textual materials written in English by Nigerian scholars. The paper adopts a cognitive linguistic multidimensional framework. The paper reveals that the colour systems and usages among Nigerians contrast with the system within the native speakers of the language. For instance "fresh leave green", "pale blue", "blood red", "yolk yellow", "black black", "dark so and so", "charcoal", "flesh", , "dirty green", "dudu" and so on are formed through several morphological processes such as coining, clipping, blending, borrowing, compounding, reduplication and affixation as well as usage in various syntactic operations as in nominals and adjectives: "The shirt is dark so and so." and "The yellows ran out of the scorching sun." which serves as adjective and nominal plural respectively. Hence the paper concludes that morphology and syntax of most colours in Nigerian context have been influenced by many indigenous languages in the country. Hence, the hierarchy of the basic colours violates the Berlin and Kay"s evolutionary sequence and Kay and Maffi"s Trajectory model of Colour terms within the circle of the native speakers of English.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Jacobs Sandra, Isaac Eyi Ngulube.
Page No : 80-104
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The Use and Evaluation of Corpus-Based English Language Teaching.
Abstract
This paper investigates the use and evaluation of corpus-based English Grammar teaching. The primary focus is on advancing language education methodologies by integrating corpus linguistics into pedagogical practices. Through a nuanced exploration of qualitative and quantitative dimensions, the research aims at enhancing grammar learning outcomes. The qualitative aspect employs purposeful sampling, capturing the perspectives of language learners and instructors immersed in corpus-based teaching. The quantitative phase employs a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of corpus-based teaching on language proficiency. Rigorous pre-and post-assessments, complemented by statistical analysis, illuminate the quantitative gains achieved by learners exposed to this innovative pedagogical approach. A critical component of the study lies in the meticulous selection of the corpus. Criteria such as size, genre diversity, and representativeness guide this process, ensuring a comprehensive examination of linguistic features. The ethical dimensions of the research are upheld through strict adherence to informed consent, participant confidentiality, and privacy standards. The research timeline delineates distinct phases, allowing for systematic progress from corpus selection to data analysis. Theoretical framework underpinning CBLT is a complex and dynamic amalgamation of linguistic theories but in this thesis, we use the communicative language teaching framework (CLT). The research design encompasses a quasi-experimental approach, employing a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative measures of language proficiency assessments with qualitative insights gathered through surveys and interviews. The findings are that the use of CBLT in teaching aspects of English grammar is more result oriented than the use of traditional teaching methods. This study has not only contributed to the theoretical foundations of language education but also provide practical insights for educators and policymakers seeking to optimize language learning strategies.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Rise Evans Cotterell, Isaac Eyi Ngulube.
Page No : 105-131
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English – Kalabari Word Formation Systems: Convergence and Divergence.
Abstract
The study is designed to examine the contrast that exist in the morphological processes of word formation in English and Kalabari languages. The English language is an Indo-European language, while Kalabari is a Niger-Congo Ijoid language. The crux of the investigation is to examine the distinct morphological features in the two languages. These languages are chosen because Kalabari is the first language and English is the second language spoken in the locality. The learning of a second language oftentimes is affected by the features of the first language of the learner. Learners and speakers of one language apply rules of their native language into the second language resulting into grammatical and morphological inaccuracies. This study identifies the similarities that may enhance English learning by Kalabari speakers as well as the differences that may pose challenges to the Kalabari learner of English as a second language. The different shades of morphological processes such as compounding, affixation, conversion, backformation, reduplication, among others are treated. While both languages share some morphological processes, they also exhibit unique morphological differences. This study navigates and gets immersed in the fundamental concepts of morphology, contrastive analysis, grammar, inflection, and pedagogy. The theoretical foundation here aligns with the principles set forth by Harris and Lado (the contrastive analysis) an approach that juxtaposes different languages to identifying the distinctions and similarities in the two languages. The study makes use of descriptive research design since the study is aimed to undertake a contrastive study of the morphological processes of the two different languages. The lexicological development of Kalabari in comparison with English constitute an important launching pad to catapult the former into the technological age of the present century. This is perhaps what the Kalabari speaker, and by extension, other speakers of the Niger Congo phylum would need to be fully part of the technological inventions of his times as a world citizen.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Yahaya Idris, Yasin Abubakar.
Page No : 132-138
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The Influence of Hausa Language on Tsuresha (Gungagawa Language) of Yauri Emirate.
Abstract
The word Gungawa is used by the Hausa people in Yauri to designate all those people who have made the islands on the River Niger their homes. The islands in the River Niger in Yauri Emirate were therefore, the traditional dwelling places of the Gungawa. They are a distinct ethnic group in Yauri Emirate who called themselves Baresha and called their language Tsuresha. At present, the Baresha (Gungawa) are found in Yauri, Ngaski and Shanga Local Government Areas (Yauri Emirate) in Kebbi State. Few are also found in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, largely due to migrations. These people have been in Yauri for over 500 years now. However, since the Kainji Dam resettlement exercise of 1968 the Tsuresha (Gunganci) is facing serious challenges especially from the Hausa dominant language in the area. Consequently, the Baresha became much more in contact with other people, particularly the Hausa speaking people the pressure of whose language the Tsuresha could not withstand. The end result is that, Tsuresha is becoming endangered. They now speak Hausa language fluently, dress like the Hausa people and most often identify themselves as Hausa not as Baresha (Gungawa). This paper aims at exploring the influence of Hausa language on the language of this distinct ethnic group of Yauri Emirate origin.
