The Structure and Function of the Olukhayo Noun Phrase: An X-Bar Perspective
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Date
2013-04-23
Authors
Wabwire, Vincent O.
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Abstract
This study is an attempt to provide a syntactic analysis of the NP in Olukhayo, a Luhya dialect,
from the point c;>fX-bar syntax. Our study had three objectives. Firstly! we sought to describe
the structure of the noun phrase in Olukhayo. Secondly, we made effort to identify the
syntactic functions of the noun phrase in Olukhayo sentences. Finally, we tried to find out
whether the Olukhayo noun phrase could adequately be explained by X-bar theory.
The need to conduct a study on Olukhayo arose out of the fact that there is very little literature
published on the dialect. Regarding data elicitation, the study used tape-recorded oral
narratives and written compositions to yield the anticipated data in the form of sentences. The
respondents were identified using the social networks approach. NPs were identified from
such sentences for analysis using the qualitative approach. It was found out that the NP in
Olukhayo has a definite structure. Besides, the NP can realize a number of syntactic functions
and it can adequately be explained within X-bar module. We recommended that the
curriculum developers of the materials for the teaching of mother tongue in lower primary
section as well as the teachers at this level to begin with the simplest of the NP structures that
learners can easily grasp, gradually followed by the complex ones much later.
This work is divided into five chapters. The first deals with the general introduction to the
study; the second provides a review of related literature and the theoretical framework. The
third looks at the approaches and methodology of data collection, sampling strategies, research
instruments used and analysis of data. The fourth highlights data analysis and presentation.
The'last concerns the summary of findings, conclusion and the recommendations based on our
research findings
Description
Department of English & Linguistics, 2010. PL 8474 .L81W3