A Syntactic Analysis of Empty Categories in Ekegusii: A Minimalist Approach.
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Date
2016-05
Authors
Ombati, Orpha Bonareri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study analyzed empty categories in Ekegusii morphosyntactically. The study of
empty categories is important as these categories reflect deeper principles of
Universal Grammar and thus help linguists to understand the nature of human
language. This motivated the present study. The research objectives were: to
determine the properties of empty categories in Ekegusii; to identify the role of empty
categories in Ekegusii and lastly, to explain the empty categories in Ekegusii within
the Minimalist Program. To achieve the above objectives, the study adopted a
qualitative research design. The researcher used purposive sampling in choosing
sentential constructions from the Bible for the study. Content analysis and
introspection were used to elicit the data in the form of sentences. Empty categories
were identified from such sentences for analysis using the qualitative approach. The
analysis was done within the domain of the Minimalist Program. The following empty
categories were identified and their properties and roles analyzed: PRO, WH-trace,
NP-trace, the empty determiner and empty complementizer. The first three are
classified as nominals because they occupy the argument position while the last two
are functional empty categories. The theta roles of the empty categories were also
examined. The findings showed that only the nominal empty categories are assigned
theta roles by the verb while the heads do not receive the theta roles.PRO bears an
agentive role. The WH-and NP-copies are assigned the theme role. The research
findings of the study would contribute to the existing data on the syntax of empty
categories and the linguistic theory. This study is organized into five chapters. The
first one deals with the general introduction to the study; the second gives a review of
related literature and the theoretical framework; the third looks at the research
methodology; the fourth deals with data analysis and presentation. The final chapter is
a conclusion that gives a summary of this research's findings. It also gives
recommendations for further research.
Description
A Research Dissertation Submitted to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts of Kenyatta University.