LINGUIST List 22.3855 Tue Oct 04 2011 Diss: Morphology/Semantics/Syntax: Oha: 'Verb Compounding in Igbo: ...' Editor for this issue: Xiyan Wang <xiyanlinguistlist.org> To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.cfm. Directory         1.     Amechi Oha , Verb Compounding in Igbo: A morphosyntactic analysis Message 1: Verb Compounding in Igbo: A morphosyntactic analysis Date: 26-Sep-2011 From: Amechi Oha <amaho44hotmail.com> Subject: Verb Compounding in Igbo: A morphosyntactic analysis E-mail this message to a friend Institution: University of Nigeria Program: Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages Dissertation Status: Completed Degree Date: 2010 Author: Amechi Boniface Oha Dissertation Title: Verb Compounding in Igbo: A morphosyntactic analysis Linguistic Field(s): Morphology Semantics Syntax Subject Language(s): Igbo (ibo) Dissertation Director(s): Boniface Onyemaechi Mbah Philip Akujuobi Nwachukwu Dissertation Abstract: Thesis abstract This thesis investigates the morphosyntactic properties of the Igbo compound verb through the thematic relation framework. The version of the thematic relation is the Argument-linking Principle embodying the Feature Percolation Convention. Both of them predict the sort of compound that can be formed and others that are ruled out. While the Feature Percolation Convention states that the properties of a compound derive from the features of the constituents, the Argument-linking Principle states that all lexical items must satisfy their argument structures in any tree to which they are inserted. In the quest for the proper headedness and characterization of Igbo compound, the study employs the argument structures inherited by the compounds from the uniting verb heads to characterize them into types. The assumption is that it is the verb that conveys the predominant meaning among the compounding components that heads the compound. In doing so, the study adapts the Case classification of Igbo single verbs approach to Igbo compound verb theta role assignment, in providing the basic data. Using the relevant frameworks of the Thematic Relation theory, the study establishes eleven compound verb types in Igbo each labelled by the argument-projecting verb. An examination of the verb heads of the compounds reveals three groups of Igbo compound verb headedness: the verb- initial head compound, the verb-final head compound and the both-verbs argument taking compound. It is also found that there are internal relations holding in each individual verb that provide the essential meaning relationship necessary for compounding. Where this relationship does not exist, compound will not be possible. These findings have revealed some facts that indicate a parameterization in verb compounding account as it relates to Igbo. The study concludes that contrary to the popular assumption in the literature, Igbo compound verbs can be analyzed into their derivational sources and patterned into eleven types which in turn maintain a three-way argument linking. The recommendations of the study include further investigation to establish the phonological and syntactic features of the compound verb including further validation of the facts discovered in this study through other frameworks. Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue Page Updated: 04-Oct-2011       About LINGUIST    |   Contact Us       While the LINGUIST List makes every effort to ensure the linguistic relevance of sites listed on its pages, it cannot vouch for their contents.