An X-Bar Theoretic Account of Jenjo Noun Phrases
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Date
2021
Authors
Benson, Peace
Ayieko, Gerry O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State
Abstract
This study analyses the Jenjo noun phrase in X-bar convention. X-bar
has been the focal point of linguistic theory and has changed the way
linguists view syntactic model today. X-bar deals with head categories
and recognizes the variability of these categories across languages despite
the notions of the ‘Principles and Parameters’. In this respect, Jenjo
noun phrase may well be explained within X-bar framework. Therefore,
this paper gives the X-bar theoretic account of Jenjo noun phrases.
Jenjo is an Adamawa-Ubangi language group spoken in parts of Taraba
State, Adamawa State and Gombe State North East Nigeria. The aim
of this study is to analyze the Jenjo noun phrase using X-bar theory.
Jenjo New Testament Bible and the researcher’s introspection form
the basis for the data. The study determined Jenjo as a head-first
language, most elements within the Jenjo NP are post-head. Jenjo
complements branch at N¹ and are sister to their head noun. Adjuncts
are sister to N¹ and daughter to N¹. Specifiers expand N¹ to N¹¹ they
occur on the left and right of the head noun phrase. we find that a
single noun can function as a noun phrase and it is obligatory.
Intermediate categories exist in Jenjo NP. There are nominal
constituents that are larger than noun but smaller than full nominal
phrase. For instance, vYaka de a Jos ‘the city of Jos’ constitutes a full
noun phrase while vYakaÞ a Jos ‘city of Jos’ is an intermediate category
that is smaller than the full NP and larger than a word. Similarly,
complements in Jenjo branch at X¹ in the tree diagram and are vital to
the head i.e. closer to the head than adjunct. Genitive NP and
complement PP function as constituents in Jenjo NP.
Description
A research article published in Dutsinma Journal of English and Literature
Keywords
Noun Phrase, Complements, Adjunct, X-bar, Jenjo
Citation
Benson, P., & Ayieko, G. O. (2021). AN X-BAR THEORETIC ACCOUNT OF JENJO NOUN PHRASES. Dutsinma Journal of English and Literature, 2(1), 247-260.