DEPARTMENT OF LINGUISTIC STUDIES

The morphological process of reduplication one that is predominant among African languages, the process bring about the creation of new words into the lexicon of the language, the Etsako is one that exhibit compounding in a special pattern, this study thus is an attempt to carry out an analysis on Etsako compounding process, the Etsako belongs to the kwa group of languages that have this feature as a special one, the data for this study was carried out using an interview method, the Morphological doubling theory was employed as the theoretical framework of the study, subsequently the data are presented and analyzed into various compounding groups and conclusions made. The analysis of the data collected revealed several functions of reduplication in Etsako, they include, for intensity and emphasis, pluralization, iterative action, expressing diversity, among others. The analysis of reduplication in the Etsako also revealed intriguing patterns and insights into the
linguistic structure of this unique language. Through a thorough examination of reduplication processes, forms, and functions, it is evident that reduplication serves multiple roles within Etsako communication. From intensification to plurality, the Etsako reduplication system is rich and has high linguistics importance.

Translation is the communication of the meaning of a source language text by means of an equivalent target language text. This study seeks to investigate the problems encountered by translators when carrying out a
translation exercise. Also, these problems outlined will be tackled using the techniques of translation. The data for this study were gotten from the Bible and grouped under the problems of translation they fall under; the techniques of translation were further used to solve the translation problems that were encountered. The data are analyzed using Uwajeh (2001), Four Models
Translation. The conclusion of the study is that languages are different in their structures, lexicons, etc. therefore, further studies should be made on the Uneme language by experts to develop the language

This study is a pragmatic analysis of Igbo oral traditional dirge. It examined the contextual usage of Igbo oral traditional dirge. The study aims at analyzing how pragmatic elements such as speech acts contribute to the meaning and function of Igbo dirges. It investigates the meaning and contextual usage of the Igbo dirge specifically Owerre-Ebeiri dirges. The study also ascertains how dirges affect communication strategies in Igbo language. A qualitative approach was applied. The approach allows for an in-depth exploration of the context, language choices, and communicative intentions embedded in the dirges. Data for this study was collected through oral interviews with native Igbo speakers who are rooted in the dirge singing. The researcher also listened to recordings of the songs and translated them from Igbo to English to get primary information. Additionally, written sources like journals, dissertations, and previous research by scholars were used as secondary sources. The theoretical framework used for this study is the Ethnography of communication, using Dell Hymes SPEAKING MODEL for it’s analysis theory. The theoretical framework adopted in this work help to ascertain the settings of the data as used in various context, participants involved, the ends or goals of the data, the key or tone of the data as it depicts the feelings of the participants, the medium of conveying the data, the various norms used in the data and the genre which the data belong. The findings reveal how the role of pragmatics elements, such as speech acts, in Igbo dirges in Owerre-Ebeiri is crucial for conveying specific intentions and emotions. These dirges use poetic and metaphorical language to capture the essence of the deceased and express grief. They serve as a means of cultural expression and communication, fostering a collective sense of mourning and facilitating the sharing of memories.

The aim of the study was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the language usedbytheGeneration Z, with a focus on its usage in various contexts while its specific objectivesare to investigate the distinctive language patterns that define GenerationZ'scommunication style and explore how this language is utilized in dif erent settings. Themethod of data collection for this study was a mixed-methods approach, combiningbothprimary and secondary language samples. The data was analyzed by using the SpeechAct Theory. The findings are: Generation Z's communication style is distinct andnuanced, making it challenging to decipher the intended meaning behind their utterances. If not properly understood, their messages can be misinterpreted, leading to potential miscommunication. In addition, the communication style of Generation Zdif erssignificantly from those of Millennial and previous generations, marked by the seamlessintegration of slang, indigenous languages, such as Yoruba, and digital language featurecharacterized by frequent code-switching and code-mixing. Furthermore, their languageuse patterns are highly adaptive and context-dependent. The study recommends furtherstudies by researchers, scholars or anyone interested in the Language use patternsof Generation z to document and preserve Generation Z’s language use patterns, integrateGeneration Z’ language use patterns into language education, create language archivesand databases.

Gender variation in language use has become a very common issue in everyday discourses of our life. When we use language frequently, we generally make differences from each other. The differences mainly occur among male and female. Now days, a variety of language use are occurring mostly among the young people of the Igbo society. This paper examines the common difference and reasons behind variation of language use among the native speakers of the Igbo language. Questionnaires were administered to thirty respondents consisting of a targeted combination of fifteen males and fifteen females respectively. It was found that the speakers have multiple reasons behind the variation of language use between male and female. So, this prompted for the
drafting out of a questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice item, the
questionnaires included fifteen multiple choice questions consisting of two options. In each of the questions students had to choose one specific answerGender variation in language use has become a very common issue in everyday discourses of our life. When we use language frequently, we generally make differences from each other. The differences mainly occur among male and female. Now days, a variety of language use are occurring mostly among the young people of the Igbo society. This paper examines the common difference and reasons behind variation of language use among the native speakers of the Igbo language. Questionnaires were administered to thirty respondents consisting of a targeted combination of fifteen males and fifteen females respectively. It was found that the speakers have multiple reasons behind the variation of language use between male and female. So, this prompted for the
drafting out of a questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice item, the
questionnaires included fifteen multiple choice questions consisting of two options. In each of the questions students had to choose one specific answer

The study examined the strategies for intensification in Ikare. The aim was to account for and describe the various processes evident in the realization of intensity in Ikare. Data for the study were drawn from several discourses where native speakers use the language for discourse and constructions for intensification were elicited. Using, Cognitive Linguistics theory. This theory posits that language is not just a set of arbitrary symbols, but rather a reflection of human cognition and experience. It emphasizes the role of conceptual systems in shaping linguistic structures and meanings. It views language as an essential element of human thinking and emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in shaping linguistic structure and meaning. It offers valuable insights into the study of intensification by examining how speakers conceptualize and express heightened degrees of meaning. This study described the different strategies – adverbs, prefixes, adjectives, reduplication, repetition hyperbole, etc. – in use in the language to satisfy the basic human need to emphasize. The study discovered that adverbs such as gbe, bù, yán, ówàná, and adjectives like duro, prefixes like áwon, repetition like Ọmọ, gbe, are all techniques used for emphasizing itensity. The study’s findings reveal that Ikare language utilizes tactics such as reduplication, exclamations, and hyperbole to enhance emphasis and intensity

This research is an investigation of the syntactic analysis of some personal names, using the theory of Role and Reference Grammar posited by Foley and Van Valin (1984) and Van Valin (1992). Our data consisted of personal names that are borne by both young and old Igbo male and female. Adopting the Framework, Role and Reference Grammar Theory, the paper discussed the syntactic analysis of Personal names in Igbo. The findings from the analysis of the data have shown that names are not just
9 oral construction of words to make reference to people and places; rather, names follow linguistic rules, i.e., the grammatical and syntactic features of a particular language. Crucially, the study ascertained that personal names among the Igbos are also grammatically insightful; and can provide a window to understanding and appreciating the grammatical properties of the language. We posit that personal names in Igbo reflect the people’s sociocultural experience and the supernatural universe, which provide deep insight into their cultural patterns and tradition.

This research work is made up of four chapters. Chapter One introduces us to the general and fundamental knowledge about conflict resolution and also language use in conflict resolution. The theoretical framework to be used in the course of the work, the statement of purpose for the study. More also, the previous studies that encompasses the work of some scholars well outlined and the concerned of the present that deals with the main theory that the research work adopts. Chapter Two encapsulate the different views of scholars on language and conflict resolution with various approaches to it and more also, the various methods diplomatically ways of tackling conflict. The Chapter Three is the presentation and analysis of the data collected. The last chapter of this research work summarizes the total work that has been put together and the conclusion arrived at based on the communication accommodation theory of "Howard" (1971) which states that people behavior changes towards others in the act of communication to a tune their communication partner. With this theory, we can learn how to help manage our language usage verbal and non-verbal means of communication with others creating a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in our society

This study investigates language contact and change among Ẹdo youths. As urbanization, globalization, and digital communication reshape linguistic practices, Ẹdo-speaking youth increasingly engage in code-switching, lexical borrowing, and syntactic shifts in their speech. These interactions, particularly with Nigerian Pidgin and English, have led to the emergence of hybrid language forms that reflect evolving social identities and cultural expressions. A qualitative research design was employed, using participants’ observation method in data collection. The findings reveal that while Ẹdo remain an important marker of cultural identity, its use is declining in informal and digital spaces. Nigerian Pidgin has emerged as the dominant language of peer communication, while English retains its status as the language of education and professional advancement. The study also highlights the sociolinguistic factors driving these changes, including peer influence, exposure to global media, and shifting cultural attitudes among urban youth. Without targeted efforts to promote and preserve the Ẹdo language, there is a risk of gradual language shift and erosion of cultural heritage. The research recommends incorporating Ẹdo into school curricula, promoting the language through digital media, and encouraging community- based language initiatives. This study contributes to the broader
understanding of language contact and change in urban African contexts and offers insights into preserving indigenous languages in a rapidly globalizing society

This study investigates language contact and change among Ẹdo youths. As urbanization, globalization, and digital communication reshape linguistic practices, Ẹdo-speaking youth increasingly engage in code-switching, lexical borrowing, and syntactic shifts in their speech. These interactions, particularly with Nigerian Pidgin and English, have led to the emergence of hybrid language forms that reflect evolving social identities and cultural expressions. A qualitative research design was employed, using participants’ observation method in data collection. The findings reveal that while Ẹdo remain an important marker of cultural identity, its use is declining in informal and digital spaces. Nigerian Pidgin has emerged as the dominant language of peer communication, while English retains its status as the language of education and professional advancement. The study also highlights the sociolinguistic factors driving these changes, including peer influence, exposure to global media, and shifting cultural attitudes among urban youth. Without targeted efforts to promote and preserve the Ẹdo language, there is a risk of gradual language shift and erosion of cultural heritage. The research recommends incorporating Ẹdo into school curricula, promoting the language through digital media, and encouraging community- based language initiatives. This study contributes to the broader
understanding of language contact and change in urban African contexts and offers insights into preserving indigenous languages in a rapidlyV globalizing society.