Abstract
The primary aim of this study Is to intellectually describe the structure of semantic relation in Igala syntax as a tonal language insofar as the linking verbs (copulas) ni ‘is’ and ch ‘be’ are concerned. Random Sampling Technique was used by the researchers as the method of data collection. The data are drawn extensively from a set of normal protocol language as found In Igala personal names. The cognitive model otherwise known as stratificational grammar was used as theoretical framework in this study. The description of the details of sentence structures, including the deep structures of the data, will be based on this theoretical framework. From the results of the analyses, the findings show that there is a marked consistency of copulas ni ‘is’ and ch ‘be’ in relational clauses, as to where ni occurs as contrasted to where ch occurs. The findings also show that dialectical variations exist. They are more of phonological differences than syntactical variations. Then, it turns out that the researchers shall be subscribing to an important concept of cognitive system of semantic relation.
Keywords: Intellectual, Phonological, Random sampling, Stratificational, Technique
DOI: 10.36349/zamijoh.2025.v03i01.003
author/Idegu A. Solomon, Ph.D & Samaila Yakubu
journal/Zamfara IJOH Vol. 3, Issue 1
