West African languages. Linguistic theory and communication
West African languages. Linguistic theory and communication
Contributor(s): Nina Pawlak (Editor), Izabela Will (Editor)
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: West African languages; areal features; language communication; idiomatic expressions; lingua franca
Summary/Abstract: The monograph covers the main aspects of studies on West African languages related to the diversity of structural patterns and complexity of their linguistic assignment. It includes various topics ranging from linguistic description and conceptualization patterns to the sociolinguistics of contemporary refugee camps. Typological diversity is enriched with the presentation of pidgin structures and sign languages. Structural differences between languages are seen from a comparative perspective, which also indicates the areal dimension of linguistic processes. The presentations of linguists from both Europe and Africa develop the idea of convergence area in West Africa, which is motivated by the contact between languages of different affiliations to language families and common cultural basis of language development.
- E-ISBN-13: 978-83-235-4631-3
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-235-4623-8
- Page Count: 300
- Publication Year: 2020
- Language: English
Measuring phonological complexity in West African languages
Measuring phonological complexity in West African languages
(Measuring phonological complexity in West African languages)
- Author(s):Gian Claudio Batic
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:23-45
- No. of Pages:23
- Keywords:phonology; complexity; West Africa
- Summary/Abstract:The discussion on the complexity of natural language is a fascinating topic that has been treated by scholars from different philosophical and theoretical perspectives. The main challenge to overcome when studying complexity is represented by its quantification: discussing complexity means dealing with objective measurements. Since languages are systems, i.e. they are made up of elements, it is possible to examine the structural complexity of a language by counting the elements present in the system. Systems (that is, languages) are in turn made of sub-systems (that is, areas), each sub-system being described by a series of features whose inventory sizes can be, for example, relatively small, relatively large, or average. This paper aims at formulating an Index of Phonological Complexity (IPC) based on the typological features covering the phonological area as defined in the World Atlas of Language Structures (WALS). After a brief discussion on these features, their recoding and subsequently their normalisation to a common scale will be argued for. Then, three indexes of phonological complexity will be proposed and applied to West African languages. Given its high degree of linguistic diversity determined by both genetic and typological variety, West Africa is an interesting ground for measuring complexity as well as a promising laboratory for further calibration and refinement of the indexes.
Innovative features of nouns and pronouns in Chadic languages of the Nigerian Gongola-Benue basin
Innovative features of nouns and pronouns in Chadic languages of the Nigerian Gongola-Benue basin
(Innovative features of nouns and pronouns in Chadic languages of the Nigerian Gongola-Benue basin)
- Author(s):Sergio Baldi, Rudolf Leger
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:46-56
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:linguistic innovations; gender assignment; pluractionals; Intransitive Copy Pronoun; Bole-Tangale languages
- Summary/Abstract:Many Chadic languages spoken in the Gongola Benue basin of North-Eastern Nigeria have undergone tremendous changes in the domain of their phonology, morphology and lexicon. This in particular concerns the languages Kwami, Kupto, Piya, Widala and Nyam, which are spoken in typical retreat areas by not more than fifteen thousand speakers. The vicinity of neighbouring Adamawa and Jarawan Bantu languages and the influence of Hausa may have led to linguistic innovations in their grammar as well as in the lexicon. The impact can often be proved by the inflation of sound systems, tone levelling in favour of the low tone and the loss of nominal plural, which generally is compensated by verbal pluractionals. The changes may be further observed in an enlargement of pronominal sets, the existence of logophoric pronouns and the use of Intransitive Copy Pronouns in the several languages.
Methodological and technical challenges of a corpus-based study of Naija
Methodological and technical challenges of a corpus-based study of Naija
(Methodological and technical challenges of a corpus-based study of Naija)
- Author(s):Bernard Caron
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:57-75
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:Atlantic pidgins and creoles; corpus studies; natural language processing; syntax; prosody
- Summary/Abstract:This paper presents early reflections on the NaijaSynCor survey (NSC) financed by the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche. The nature of the language surveyed (Naija, a post-creole spoken in Nigeria as a second language by close to 100 million speakers) has induced a specific choice of theoretical framework (variationist sociolinguistics) and methodology (a corpus-based study using Natural Language Processing). Half-way through the 4 year-study, the initial methodological choices are assessed taking into account the nature of the data that has been collected, and the problems that occurred as early as the initial stages of their annotation.
Clause chaining in Bambara
Clause chaining in Bambara
(Clause chaining in Bambara)
- Author(s):Valentin Vydrin
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:79-98
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:clause chaining; cosubordination; infinitive; Bambara; Manding
- Summary/Abstract:Bambara (Manding < West Mande < Mande < Niger-Congo) has a specialized clause chaining (cosubordinative) construction where the first clause has a verb full-fledged for TAM and polarity, and verbs of subsequent clauses are in infinitive; non-initial clauses are not embedded into the initial one and cannot be therefore regarded as subordinate. Characteristics of the Bambara clause chaining are analyzed: scope of operators (illocutionary force, negation), TAM characteristics, same- and different-subjectness. From the evidence of peripheral Manding varieties, a hypothesis concerning the origin of infinitive from an archaic preposition is advanced.
Categorization of phasal polarity items in Bambara (Mande)
Categorization of phasal polarity items in Bambara (Mande)
(Categorization of phasal polarity items in Bambara (Mande))
- Author(s):Klaudia Dombrowsky-Hahn
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:99-126
- No. of Pages:28
- Keywords:phasal polarity; adverbs; particles; grammaticalization
- Summary/Abstract:The phasal polarity (PhP) operators ALREADY, NOT YET, STILL and NO LONGER may have different representation in particular languages. In the Mande language Bambara several items may be distinguished for each PhP expression. This paper discusses their categorization. The review of the most important dictionaries and grammars shows disagreement concerning their categorial status, which I attribute to different criteria on which the categorizations are based. Occurring in clause-final position, most items are assumed to be adverbs or particles. This paper provides a revised categorization of the PhP expressions using van Baar’s (1997) criteria, especially the principles he proposes to distinguish adverbs and particles. It is assumed that the PhP items in Bambara attest different stages of grammaticalization. Some PhP items are adverbs, others are grammaticalized particles; however, showing little formal reduction, they occur in the same form as the elements supposed to be their sources.
Ma-causatives in Tomo Kan Dogon: between causatives and passives
Ma-causatives in Tomo Kan Dogon: between causatives and passives
(Ma-causatives in Tomo Kan Dogon: between causatives and passives)
- Author(s):Vadim V. Dyachkov
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:127-139
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:verb morphology; valency changing alternation; causative; passive; Niger-Congo languages; Dogon languages; Tomo Kan language
- Summary/Abstract:This article deals with the causative/passive polysemy in the Tomo Kan language (< Dogon < Niger-Congo). The aim of the article is to describe semantic and syntactic properties of the distant causative -má and the homonymous modal passive which are instantiations of the same morpheme. First, I show that the causative can be analyzed as a marker of distant causal relation, whereas the modal passive is a marker with the meaning of participant-external possibility. Second, I discuss a possible polysemy scenario based on the structural properties of the causative. Namely, I will argue that the passive reading could not have arisen from permissive readings of the causative marker and it is better to describe the shift in terms of subject deletion, which led to the reanalysis of the syntactic structure.
Asymmetries in negation in the Atlantic languages: a preliminary comparison
Asymmetries in negation in the Atlantic languages: a preliminary comparison
(Asymmetries in negation in the Atlantic languages: a preliminary comparison)
- Author(s):Aurore Montébran
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:140-152
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Atlantic languages; negation; typology; TAM system
- Summary/Abstract:This paper deals with negation in the Atlantic languages (Niger-Congo phylum), focusing on asymmetric negation that takes place when the differences between the negative and positive sentence go beyond the addition of the negative marker. The structural differences between positive and negative clauses show that negation cannot be analysed separately from the TAM system. Some observations on diachronic evolutions concerning TAM-negation interaction are also highlighted.
Let’s tidy up the grammar of Hausa and analyse after/behind in after class/after he arrives/he’s behind etc. as prepositions
Let’s tidy up the grammar of Hausa and analyse after/behind in after class/after he arrives/he’s behind etc. as prepositions
(Let’s tidy up the grammar of Hausa and analyse after/behind in after class/after he arrives/he’s behind etc. as prepositions)
- Author(s):Philip J. Jaggar
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:153-165
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:intransitive prepositions; transitive prepositions; complementation
- Summary/Abstract:Hausa is generally analysed as having three distinct classes of preposition: (1) core monomorphemic, e.g., à ‘in, at, on’, dà ‘with’; (2) “genitive” prepositions, e.g. baaya-n ‘behind, after’ (lit. ‘behind/back of’, cf. baayaa ‘back’); (3) two-word transitive prepositions with dà ‘with’ as the second element, e.g. kusa ‘near(by)’→ kusa dà ‘near to‘. Under conventional classifications, prepositions such as the above are basically defined as governing NPs, e.g., baayan kwaanaa ukù ‘after three days’. Conjunctions, however, traditionally govern subordinate clauses, e.g., baayan sun isoo ‘after they arrived’, and adverbs usually modify verbs, e.g., sun koomàa baaya ‘they went behind’. Following early work by Jespersen (1909-49), extended more recently in Pullum & Huddleston (2002), this paper provides further evidence for a unified analysis which treats all the above as prepositional heads of phrases which, like verbs, simply differ in the complements they are licensed to take – NPs, clauses, or zero.
Enhancing grammar and valence resources for Akan and Ga
Enhancing grammar and valence resources for Akan and Ga
(Enhancing grammar and valence resources for Akan and Ga)
- Author(s):Dorothee Beermann, Lars Hellan
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:166-185
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:Akan; Ga; digital resources; lexicon; valence; corpus annotation
- Summary/Abstract:We present a case study in valence comparison between closely related Kwa languages, assessing frames and meanings of the verb ba (‘come’) in Akan with a homophonous corresponding item in Ga. The discussion draws on the Akan dictionary (Christaller 1881), a Ga valence dictionary based on (Dakubu 2009), and an online annotated corpus of Akan hosted in TypeCraft (Beermann & Mihaylov 2014). With a view to the possibility of making use of resources for one language in the development of resources for another, we demonstrate how digital resources and linguistic specifications can inform each other.
On the shi- evaluative prefix in Lamnsoꞌ
On the shi- evaluative prefix in Lamnsoꞌ
(On the shi- evaluative prefix in Lamnsoꞌ)
- Author(s):Lendzemo Constantine Yuka
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:189-197
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:shi-dimunitive; evaluative morphology; pluractionality; morpho-semantics; Lamnsoꞌ
- Summary/Abstract:This paper examines the evaluative features of the shi- nominal prefix in Lamnsoꞌ. The paper takes advantage of the literature on shi- as the noun class marker for Class 19 nouns in Lamnsoꞌ to introduce it as a diminutive prefix with the general semantic interpretation of ‘small’/’little’ (for the same language). The shi- prefix is identified here as a polysemous category with varying semantic values. The paper reveals that the shi- diminutive introduces pragmatic features yet unstudied for languages like Lamnsoꞌ. When the shi- prefix combines with the phonological process of reduplication, the limitative rather than the multiplicative interpretation is derived. Shi- combines with adjectives to introduce scales of the properties denoted by the adjective. The paper claims that the study of evaluative diminutives across language groups has the potential of revealing affixed valued features that bring to bear the linguistic significance of size and the pragmatics of evaluation.
Tiv compounds and compounding
Tiv compounds and compounding
(Tiv compounds and compounding)
- Author(s):Vanessa Chivir Adzer
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:198-212
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Compound; compounding; endocentric compounds; exocentric compounds; Tiv
- Summary/Abstract:Compounding is a common word formation process which functions in many languages of the world. The combination of two or more free words is usually connected with morphological adaptation of single units to the newly created item. The study is aimed at identifying different compounds attested in the Tiv language and explicating the process of their formation. It is revealed that the units they represent are not limited to noun + noun compounds. The language allows compounds to be formed with elements from any word class; thus, producing structures like noun + noun and adjective + noun as well as various phrases involving verbs. Data was collected through interview, elicitation consultation and written documents. The result confirms that compounding is a productive process in Tiv language and the strategies of word compounding are based on both regular and specific rules of word combinations.
Nigerian Pidgin English phraseology in the context of areal influences
Nigerian Pidgin English phraseology in the context of areal influences
(Nigerian Pidgin English phraseology in the context of areal influences)
- Author(s):Olga Frąckiewicz
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:213-229
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:Nigerian Pidgin English; phraseology; West African languages; areal features
- Summary/Abstract:The development of Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) and the expansion of its communicative functions is connected to the use of multiword expressions as new means of expression. The question is to what extent the NPE phraseology is derived from the original lexifier, i.e. English, and what the influence of substratum languages belonging to different genetic and typological groups is. The article presents various types of multiword expressions which are based on English words, but in terms of structural features and conceptualization patterns represent collocations copied from other West African native languages. In this connection, special attention is given to the use of body-related terms in NPE phraseology.
Lexical iconicity in Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) and Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL)
Lexical iconicity in Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) and Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL)
(Lexical iconicity in Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) and Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL))
- Author(s):Mary Edward
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:230-251
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:sign language; gesture; patterned iconicity; handheld tools; cognitive linguistics; Ghana; Adamorobe
- Summary/Abstract:The visual modality of sign languages offers a high potential for iconicity, i.e. resemblance relationships between form and meaning. Of particular interest is the understanding that iconicity is not monolithic but demonstrated through different devices and strategies that may be influenced by cultural factors and specific communicative contexts. This chapter discusses signers and gesturers preference for specific iconic strategies to name handheld tools. Signers of Ghanaian Sign Language (GSL) and Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL) were compared with rural gesturers (Adamorobe) and urban gesturers. Working within the cognitive linguistic framework, the chapter discusses signers and gesturers preference for instrument and handling strategies and the consistent use of iconic strategies across signers in each group. Signers and gesturers exhibited systematic preference for iconic representation of tools, choosing an action-based sign depicting how the object is held (handling) or depicting features of the object (instrument). Interesting finding of this chapter is the language contact situation in Adamorobe, and its influence on the rural gesturers’ preference for iconic representation although all the gesturers confirmed no prior knowledge of AdaSL.
Phraseological units involving body-part terms: a corpus based analysis of Hausa to English translation
Phraseological units involving body-part terms: a corpus based analysis of Hausa to English translation
(Phraseological units involving body-part terms: a corpus based analysis of Hausa to English translation)
- Author(s):Yakubu Magaji Azare
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:255-265
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:phraseology; body-part terms; grammaticalization; cultural metaphors; Hausa
- Summary/Abstract:The article focuses on the comparison of structures involving body-part terms in one language and their equivalents in another. The analysis is based on examples extracted from three novels published in both Hausa and English versions. Ten items representing the terms for body parts (mouth, stomach, head, back, front, hand/arm, eye, ear(s), leg/foot, heart) were checked in the parallel texts and compared in terms of their lexical equivalency. The analysis revealed important differences between the two languages in the use of body-part terms. A significantly higher number of body-part terms in the Hausa text than in its English counterpart is motivated by structural properties of the Hausa language in which these terms are involved in coding grammatical relations; it also has reference to the patterns of conceptualization in which body-part terms have various semantic extensions and metaphoric functions.
Linguistic repertoires of refugees in Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) camps in North East Nigeria
Linguistic repertoires of refugees in Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) camps in North East Nigeria
(Linguistic repertoires of refugees in Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) camps in North East Nigeria)
- Author(s):Judith A. Mgbemena
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:266-278
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Linguistic repertoires; violence; language mobility; Internally Displaced Persons; language starvation; language endangerment
- Summary/Abstract:Violent crises orchestrated by the activities of an Islamist extremist group in Nigeria, Boko Haram, besides resulting in the destruction of lives and properties in many communities in North East, Nigeria, contribute significantly to mobility of languages. A vast number of survivors who fled from the volatile areas inadvertently moved to different refugee camps designated by the Nigerian government as Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Given the fact that the linguistic ecology of North East Nigeria is extremely diverse, the situation where people from diverse linguistic backgrounds co-habit in camps under austere conditions would yield to some sociolinguistic issues including language politics and language endangerment, among others. The IDP camps attract the attention of international agencies such as UNHCR and national groups who send their representatives for sundry purposes. The language of the visitors is often a global language, English, whereas the displaced people in the camps are from diverse linguistic backgrounds with Hausa as the most popular language. In this situation, some persons in the camp are bound to encounter some language and communication challenges. Using some principles from Ecolinguistics, this study examined the linguistic repertoires of people living in some selected IDP camps in North East Nigeria. The instrument for data collection were interviews, observation and focus group discussions. The information from the study highlights the challenges of the traumatized persons who are grappling with communication challenges, the diverse sociolinguistic issues derived from the linguistic practices and the precarious situation of the languages on the move. The information from the study directs attention to the current trends in the bustling linguistic ecology of Nigeria and the need to take proactive measures to maintain the rich cultural heritage.
The function of nonverbal regulators in Hausa face-to-face interaction
The function of nonverbal regulators in Hausa face-to-face interaction
(The function of nonverbal regulators in Hausa face-to-face interaction)
- Author(s):Aisha Umar Adamu
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:279-287
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Hausa; Nigeria; gestures; face-to-face interaction; regulators
- Summary/Abstract:The structure of conversation is a subject of many empirical researches along the Conversational Analytical point of view. Scholars have agreed that nonverbal signals which are called regulators act as a kind of traffic signals that aid in the flow of interactions. This paper studies the use of nonverbal regulators in Hausa social interactions, through the use of data consisting of natural face-to-face interactions taken from multiple settings. The research discovers that Hausa peoples’ interaction, especially in face-to-face settings, is marred with different gestures and postures acting as conversational regulators. Beyond regulating the interaction, these gestures and postures contribute to meaning making and influence communication outcomes.
“Allah expressions” as a manifestation of common cultural area in West Africa
“Allah expressions” as a manifestation of common cultural area in West Africa
(“Allah expressions” as a manifestation of common cultural area in West Africa)
- Author(s):Nina Pawlak
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics
- Page Range:288-299
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:religious phrases; secularization of language; Hausa
- Summary/Abstract:Many languages of West Africa have adopted religious phrases from Arabic. They are used either in the form of direct borrowings (assalamu alaikum) or as their translated versions. The paper investigates the scale of penetrating the lexicon of some main West African languages by adopting religious phrases of Arabic origin and presents a more detailed analysis of their function in the Hausa language. The examples of the so-called Allah expressions contribute to the idea of common culture-linguistic area in West Africa. The available data from Hausa are to demonstrate the process of passing the sacred vocabulary and phraseology of Arabic origin on to the colloquial language and written literature.