DOCSLIB.ORG

Bible Translation and Language Elaboration: the Igbo Experience

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bible Translation and Language Elaboration: the Igbo Experience Bible Translation and Language Elaboration: The Igbo Experience A thesis submitted to the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS), Universität Bayreuth, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. Phil.) in English Linguistics By Uchenna Oyali Supervisor: PD Dr. Eric A. Anchimbe Mentor: Prof. Dr. Susanne Mühleisen Mentor: Prof. Dr. Eva Spies September 2018 i Dedication To Mma Ụsọ m Okwufie nwa eze… who made the journey easier and gave me the best gift ever and Dikeọgụ Egbe a na-agba anyanwụ who fought against every odd to stay with me and always gives me those smiles that make life more beautiful i Acknowledgements Otu onye adịghị azụ nwa. So say my Igbo people. One person does not raise a child. The same goes for this study. I owe its success to many beautiful hearts I met before and during the period of my studies. I was able to embark on and complete this project because of them. Whatever shortcomings in the study, though, remain mine. I appreciate my uncle and lecturer, Chief Pius Enebeli Opene, who put in my head the idea of joining the academia. Though he did not live to see me complete this program, I want him to know that his son completed the program successfully, and that his encouraging words still guide and motivate me as I strive for greater heights. Words fail me to adequately express my gratitude to my supervisor, PD Dr. Eric A. Anchimbe. His encouragements and confidence in me made me believe in myself again, for I was at the verge of giving up. I want him to know that I owe my stay at BIGSAS to him, and that his academic rigour and push have made me a better researcher. I am forever in his debt. I appreciate my mentors, Prof. Dr. Susanne Mühleisen and Prof. Dr. Eva Spies, who did a lot to give this thesis its current shape. Their very constructive and insightful contributions individually and during our mentorate group meetings not only gave me focus but also drew my attention to the pitfalls in some of my earlier positions. They also showed me ways of further enriching my study. Prof. Spies’ seminars were also the platform where I presented most of my chapters and got very useful feedback. I am also indebted to other members of my doctoral examinations committee, Prof. Dr. (Barr.) Boniface M. Mbah and Prof. Dr. (Em.) Ulrich Berner for their immense and timely support during the examination’s procedure. On BIGSAS, I would say I got much more than I bargained for. My experience with the various workgroups I joined, editing an issue of BIGSASWorks and of BIGSAS World, presenting my research at numerous colloquia, conferences, workshops and seminars, participating in the BIGSAS@School projects, have all given me a different perspective to ii life and scholarship. They would guide me in my academic career and life generally. I also appreciate the funding from BIGSAS that enabled me to do this program. Ich bin sehr dankbar! My major attraction to BIGSAS was the fact that I would have other graduate students around with whom I would share ideas. Indeed, I benefited a lot from my colleagues at BIGSAS. When I was not clear about my research focus, their equally confused faces reassured me that I was in good company. I got the most biting criticisms and most fruitful suggestions from them. I particularly cherish the fraternal love of Dr. Leo Igwe who always took me to task on my generalizations, such that I had to learn to “anthropologize my statements”. I equally appreciate Pastor Dr. Justice Arthur and Dr. Liliane Ngawa with whom I started this journey. I am grateful to Azza Mustapha and other colleagues for their support in various forms. I acknowledge the professors and students of the CETRA Research Summer School of 2014 with whom I shared my ideas at the formative stage of this study. I am particularly grateful to Prof. Dr. Jose Lambert, Prof. Dr. Christina Schäffner and Dr. Sara Ramos Pinto for their feedback. I am also grateful to CETRA for the opportunity I had in co-editing Norm-Focused and Culture-Related Inquiries in Translation Research: Selected Papers of the CETRA Research Summer School 2014. The experience was indeed invaluable. I thank my colleagues in the Department of English, University of Abuja, who took on extra responsibilities in the Department to enable me to go for further studies. I also thank the authorities of the University of Abuja for granting me the Study Leave that enabled me to pursue this program. At the beginning of my study, I had a difficult time in getting copies of some of the Igbo Bible translations. On this I am grateful to Mrs Ngozi Onyeke, who kindly lent me her copy of the Igbo Catholic Bible when this translation went out of print, and my mother-in-law, Mrs Josephine Ibeneme who happily let go of her Igbo Living Bible, all to ensure that I succeed in my academic venture. I am indebted to Chidoo Ezika of the Department of Linguistics and other Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, and his wife, Dr. Ijeoma iii Anarado-Ezika, for hosting me during my fieldwork and helping in the administration of my questionnaires. Dr. Chuka Ononye and Dr. T. M. E. Chukwumezie of the Department of English of the same institution facilitated my administering the questionnaires to their undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Ononye also helped in administering the questionaire to members of his church. I appreciate them, and the respondents to the questionnaire. To Chidimma I say thank you. I met her during my studies and, since we got married, she has been very supportive. Perhaps, without her support I might not have finished my studies by now. What is more, she gave me the best gift ever, our son Dikeọgụ. Their love and encouragements, more than anything else, pushed me to strive for excellence and I dedicate this project to them. I further thank our parents and siblings for their numerous calls and reassurance. Azubike Nwanji and David Mikailu have been brothers indeed, in every sense of the word. My sister-in-law Chinyeaka and my brother Chinedu are simply the best anybody could wish for. Indeed, ife adị ka nwanne. Nothing can be compared to siblings. I owe them a lot. iv Table of Contents Dedication ................................................................................................................................................................. i Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................................................. ii Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................. v List of Figures ......................................................................................................................................................... x List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................................... xii Abbreviations ....................................................................................................................................................... xv Summary ............................................................................................................................................................... xvi INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 1 0.1 Good News to the Poor Scattered Sheep ......................................................................................... 1 0.2 Judeo-Christian Paradigms in Studies of Igbo Religious Practices ....................................... 3 0.3 Aim of Research and Research Questions ...................................................................................... 5 0.4 Methodology .............................................................................................................................................. 6 0.5 Synopsis of the Chapters ....................................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 1 ........................................................................................................................................................... 11 THE IGBO PEOPLE AND THEIR LANGUAGE ............................................................................................ 11 1.1 The Igbo People ..................................................................................................................................... 11 1.1.1 The World of Man and the World of Spirits ....................................................................... 14 1.1.2 Belief in the Supreme God ........................................................................................................ 17 1.2 The Igbo Language ............................................................................................................................... 20 1.2.1 The Dialects of Igbo ..................................................................................................................... 20 1.2.2 The Evolution of Standard Igbo ............................................................................................. 22 v CHAPTER 2 ..........................................................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • From Idol to Art: African 'Objects with Power': a Challenge for Missionaries, Anthropologists and Museum Curators
    From idol to art African ‘objects with power’: a challenge for missionaries, anthropologists and museum curators African Studies Centre African Studies Collection, vol. 59 From idol to art African ‘objects with power’: a challenge for missionaries, anthropologists and museum curators Harrie Leyten Published by: African Studies Centre P.O. Box 9555 2300 RB Leiden The Netherlands [email protected] http://www.ascleiden.nl Cover design: Heike Slingerland Cover photos: Left: An Ikenga of the Igbo, Nigeria. Courtesy of the Pitt Rivers Museum, University of Oxford Middle: Asuman, probably of the Ashanti, Fanti and Sefwi, Ghana. Courtesy of the Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal Right: Nkisi mabiala ma ndembe of the Yombe, Congo. Courtesy of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Author has made all reasonable efforts to trace all rights holders to any copyrighted ma- terial used in this work. In cases where these efforts have not been successful the pub- lisher welcomes communications from copyright holders, so that the appropriate acknowledgements can be made in future editions, and to settle other permission mat- ters. Maps: Nel de Vink (DeVink Mapdesign) Printed by Ipskamp Drukkers, Enschede ISSN: 1876-018x ISBN: 978-94-6173-720-5 © Harrie M. Leyten, 2015 For Clémence Contents Glossary vi Foreword xv 1. FROM IDOL TO ART:INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Two Epa masks in a missionary museum: A case study 1 1.2 From Idol to Art: Research question 11 1.3 Theoretical framework 15 1.4 Objects with power 29 1.5 Plan and structure of this book 35 2. IKENGA,MINKISI AND ASUMAN 40 2.1 Ikenga 40 2.2 Minkisi 49 2.3 Asuman 65 3.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ogoni of Nigeria A
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Anthropology Faculty Publications Anthropology, Department of 2002 The goniO of Nigeria A. Olu Oyinlade University of Nebraska at Omaha, [email protected] Jeffery M. Vincent University of Nebraska - Lincoln, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/anthropologyfacpub Part of the Archaeological Anthropology Commons, and the Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons Oyinlade, A. Olu and Vincent, Jeffery M., "The gO oni of Nigeria" (2002). Anthropology Faculty Publications. 113. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/anthropologyfacpub/113 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Anthropology, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Anthropology Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Chapter 7 The Ogoni of Nigeria A. Olu Oylnlade and Jeffery M. VIncent CULTURAL OVERVIEW The People The Ogoni are a minority ethnic people who live in the Western Niger Delta Region of southern Nigeria. During the 1970s, Ogoniland, or the Ogoni Nation, became part of the Rivers State of Nigeria. There are ap­ proximately 500,000 Ogoni who represent less than 0.05 percent of Ni­ geria's 100 to 120 million people. The population density of this region equals 1,233 people per square mile, making it one of the most densely populated areas of Nigeria. Reliable information about the origin of the Ogoni is limited. Archaeo­ logical and oral historical evidence suggests that the Ogoni have inhabited the area for over 500 years. Presently, two theories exist about the origin of this people.
    [Show full text]
  • Modelling Flooding Sites Around River Niger Area of Onitsha Town Nigeria Using Remote Sensing and GIS Application Dr Sylvanus Iro, Dr C.E Ezedike
    International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 11, Issue 2, February-2020 1027 ISSN 2229-5518 Title; Modelling Flooding sites around River Niger area of Onitsha town Nigeria using Remote Sensing and GIS Application Dr Sylvanus Iro, Dr C.E Ezedike Abstract; Increasing frequency and severity of flooding have caused tremendous damage in Onitsha area of Nigeria, requiring more efficient and effective way to reduce the risk and damage people face. In this study, the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area was used in consideration of terrain's influence on flooding of the town. The Compound Topographic Index (CTI) of the area was calculated to extract areas that represent wetness, which shows areas liable to flooding. The DEM was further queried to identify the part of the town that will be flooded whenever River Niger rises to 5 metres above the current level. The result shows that of the 1226610m2 of the study area, flooding will inundate area approximately to 2400m2, representing 0.47% of the DEM cells of the total study area. The slope map indegrees identified areas with more than 890 to be safe from flood inundation when the river rises and areas less than 890 to be areas liable to flooding. The analysis of this model shows that the proposed model can be a valuable tool that will guide city planners to avoid areas that are liable to flooding being used as residential or commercial purposes and for minimising damages from flooding. Keywords: Flooding, River Niger, Remote Sensing, Geographic Information System and Digital Elevation Model.
    [Show full text]
  • Igbo Folktales and the Idea of Chukwu As Supreme God of Igbo Religion Chukwuma Azuonye, University of Massachusetts Boston
    University of Massachusetts Boston From the SelectedWorks of Chukwuma Azuonye April, 1987 Igbo Folktales and the Idea of Chukwu as Supreme God of Igbo Religion Chukwuma Azuonye, University of Massachusetts Boston Available at: http://works.bepress.com/chukwuma_azuonye/76/ ISSN 0794·6961 NSUKKAJOURNAL OF LINGUISTICS AND AFRICAN LANGUAGES NUMBER 1, APRIL 1987 Published by the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, University of Nigeria, Nsukka NOTES ON THE CONTRIBUTORS All but one of the contributors to this maiden issue of The Nsukka Journal of Linguistics and African Languages are members of the Department of Linguistics and Nigerian Languages, Univerrsity of Nigeria, Nsukka Mr. B. N. Anasjudu is a Tutor in Applied Linguistics (specialized in Teaching English as a Second Language). Dr. Chukwuma Azyonye is a Senior Lecturer in Oral Literature and Stylistics and Acting Head of Department. Mrs. Clara Ikeke9nwy is a Lecturer in Phonetics and Phonology. Mr. Mataebere IwundV is a Senior Lecturer in Sociolinguistics and Psycholinguistics. Mrs. G. I. Nwaozuzu is a Graduate Assistant in Syntax and Semantics. She also teaches Igbo Literature. Dr. P. Akl,ljYQQbi Nwachukwu is a Senior Lecturer in Syntax and Semantics. Professor Benson Oluikpe is a Professor of Applied and Comparative Linguistics and Dean of the Faculty of Arts. Mr. Chibiko Okebalama is a Tutor in Literature and Stylistics. Dr. Sam VZ9chukwu is a Senior Lecturer in Oral Literature and Stylistics in the Department of African Languages and Literatures, University of Lagos. ISSN 0794-6961 Nsukka Journal of L,i.nguistics and African Languages Number 1, April 1987 IGBD FOLKTALES AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE IDEA OF CHUKWU AS THE SUPREME GOD OF IGBO RELIGION Chukwuma Azyonye This analysis of Igbo folktales reveals eight distinct phases in the evolution of the idea of Chukwu as the supreme God of Igbo religion.
    [Show full text]
  • Some Principles of the Use of Macro-Areas Language Dynamics &A
    Online Appendix for Harald Hammarstr¨om& Mark Donohue (2014) Some Principles of the Use of Macro-Areas Language Dynamics & Change Harald Hammarstr¨om& Mark Donohue The following document lists the languages of the world and their as- signment to the macro-areas described in the main body of the paper as well as the WALS macro-area for languages featured in the WALS 2005 edi- tion. 7160 languages are included, which represent all languages for which we had coordinates available1. Every language is given with its ISO-639-3 code (if it has one) for proper identification. The mapping between WALS languages and ISO-codes was done by using the mapping downloadable from the 2011 online WALS edition2 (because a number of errors in the mapping were corrected for the 2011 edition). 38 WALS languages are not given an ISO-code in the 2011 mapping, 36 of these have been assigned their appropri- ate iso-code based on the sources the WALS lists for the respective language. This was not possible for Tasmanian (WALS-code: tsm) because the WALS mixes data from very different Tasmanian languages and for Kualan (WALS- code: kua) because no source is given. 17 WALS-languages were assigned ISO-codes which have subsequently been retired { these have been assigned their appropriate updated ISO-code. In many cases, a WALS-language is mapped to several ISO-codes. As this has no bearing for the assignment to macro-areas, multiple mappings have been retained. 1There are another couple of hundred languages which are attested but for which our database currently lacks coordinates.
    [Show full text]
  • Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria: the Role of Traditional Institutions
    Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria Past, Present, and Future Edited by Abdalla Uba Adamu ii Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria Past, Present, and Future Proceedings of the National Conference on Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria. Organized by the Kano State Emirate Council to commemorate the 40th anniversary of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, CFR, LLD, as the Emir of Kano (October 1963-October 2003) H.R.H. Alhaji (Dr.) Ado Bayero, CFR, LLD 40th Anniversary (1383-1424 A.H., 1963-2003) Allah Ya Kara Jan Zamanin Sarki, Amin. iii Copyright Pages © ISBN © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the editors. iv Contents A Brief Biography of the Emir of Kano..............................................................vi Editorial Note........................................................................................................i Preface...................................................................................................................i Opening Lead Papers Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria: The Role of Traditional Institutions...........1 Lt. General Aliyu Mohammed (rtd), GCON Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria: A Case Study of Sarkin Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero and the Kano Emirate Council...............................................................14 Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, M.A. (Cantab) PhD (Cantab)
    [Show full text]
  • The Influence of the Supernatural in Elechi Amadi’S the Concubine and the Great Ponds
    THE INFLUENCE OF THE SUPERNATURAL IN ELECHI AMADI’S THE CONCUBINE AND THE GREAT PONDS BY EKPENDU, CHIKODI IFEOMA PG/MA/09/51229 DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND LITERARY STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA. SUPERVISOR: DR. EZUGU M.A A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF ARTS (M.A) IN ENGLISH & LITERARY STUDIES TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA. JANUARY, 2015 i TITLE PAGE THE INFLUENCE OF THE SUPERNATURAL IN ELECHI AMADI’S THE CONCUBINE AND THE GREAT PONDS BY EKPENDU, CHIKODI IFEOMA PG /MA/09/51229 DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH & LITERARY STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA. JANUARY, 2015 ii CERTIFICATION This research work has been read and approved BY ________________________ ________________________ DR. M.A. EZUGU SIGNATURE & DATE SUPERVISOR ________________________ ________________________ PROF. D.U.OPATA SIGNATURE & DATE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT ________________________ ________________________ EXTERNAL EXAMINER SIGNATURE & DATE iii DEDICATION This work is dedicated to my dear son Davids Smile for being with me all through the period of this study. To my beloved husband, Mr Smile Iwejua for his love, support and understanding. To my parents, Elder & Mrs S.C Ekpendu, for always being there for me. And finally to God, for his mercies. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My greatest thanks go to the Almighty God for his steadfast love and for bringing me thus far in my academics. To him be all the glory. My Supervisor, Dr Mike A. Ezugu who patiently taught, read and supervised this research work, your well of blessings will never run dry. My ever smiling husband, Mr Smile Iwejua, your smile and support took me a long way.
    [Show full text]
  • Encoded Language As Powerful Tool. Insights from Okǝti Ụmụakpo-Lejja Ọmaba Chant
    Journal of Language and Cultural Education, 2020, 8(3) ISSN 1339-4584 DOI: 10.2478/jolace-2020-0025 Traditional Segregation: Encoded Language as Powerful Tool. Insights from Okǝti Ụmụakpo-Lejja Ọmaba chant Uchechukwu E. Madu Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Nigeria [email protected] Abstract Language becomes a tool for power and segregation when it functions as a social divider among individuals. Language creates a division between the educated and uneducated, an indigene and non-indigene of a place; an initiate and uninitiated member of a sect. Focusing on the opposition between expressions and their meanings, this study examines Ụmụakpo- Lejja Okǝti Ọmaba chant, which is a heroic and masculine performance that takes place in the Okǝti (masking enclosure of the deity) of Umuakpo village square in Lejja town of Enugu State, Nigeria. The mystified language promotes discrimination among initiates, non- initiates, and women. Ọmaba is a popular fertility Deity among the Nsukka-Igbo extraction and Egara Ọmaba (Ọmaba chant) generally applies to the various chants performed to honour the deity during its periodical stay on earth. Using Schleiermacher’s Literary Hermeneutics Approach of the methodical practice of interpretation, the metaphorical language of the performance is interpreted to reveal the thoughts and the ideology behind the performance in totality. Among the Findings is that the textual language of Ụmụakpo- Lejja Okǝti Ọmaba chant is almost impossible without authorial and member’s interpretation and therefore, they are capable of initiating discriminatory perception of a non-initiate as a weakling or a woman. Keywords: Ọmaba chant, Ụmụakpo-Lejja, language, power, hermeneutics Introduction Beyond the primary function of language, which is the expression and communication of one’s ideas, a language is also a tool for power, segregation, and division in society.
    [Show full text]
  • Purple Hibiscus
    1 A GLOSSARY OF IGBO WORDS, NAMES AND PHRASES Taken from the text: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Appendix A: Catholic Terms Appendix B: Pidgin English Compiled & Translated for the NW School by: Eze Anamelechi March 2009 A Abuja: Capital of Nigeria—Federal capital territory modeled after Washington, D.C. (p. 132) “Abumonye n'uwa, onyekambu n'uwa”: “Am I who in the world, who am I in this life?”‖ (p. 276) Adamu: Arabic/Islamic name for Adam, and thus very popular among Muslim Hausas of northern Nigeria. (p. 103) Ade Coker: Ade (ah-DEH) Yoruba male name meaning "crown" or "royal one." Lagosians are known to adopt foreign names (i.e. Coker) Agbogho: short for Agboghobia meaning young lady, maiden (p. 64) Agwonatumbe: "The snake that strikes the tortoise" (i.e. despite the shell/shield)—the name of a masquerade at Aro festival (p. 86) Aja: "sand" or the ritual of "appeasing an oracle" (p. 143) Akamu: Pap made from corn; like English custard made from corn starch; a common and standard accompaniment to Nigerian breakfasts (p. 41) Akara: Bean cake/Pea fritters made from fried ground black-eyed pea paste. A staple Nigerian veggie burger (p. 148) Aku na efe: Aku is flying (p. 218) Aku: Aku are winged termites most common during the rainy season when they swarm; also means "wealth." Akwam ozu: Funeral/grief ritual or send-off ceremonies for the dead. (p. 203) Amaka (f): Short form of female name Chiamaka meaning "God is beautiful" (p. 78) Amaka ka?: "Amaka say?" or guess? (p.
    [Show full text]
  • Ethics of Violence in Nigeria
    ETHICS OF VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA SAMSON ELIAS MIJAH N.C.E., (UNIMAID.), B.Ed., (A.B.U.), M.A., (UNIJOS.). PGA/UJ/11332/00 A thesis in the Department of RELIGIOUS STUDIES, Faculty ofArts. Submitted to the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Jos, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Award of the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY of the UNIVERSITY OF JOS OCTOBER 2005 ii CERTIFICATION This is to certify that the research work for this thesis and subsequent preparation of this thesis by Samson Elias Mijah (PGA/UJ/11332/00) were carried out under my supervision. _________________________ ________________________ Supervisor Head of Department Professor Cyril O. Imo (Ph.D) Rev. J.M. Kangdim (Ph.D) _________________________ ________________________ Dean, Faculty of Arts Internal Examiner _________________________ ________________________ External Examiner Dean, School of Post- Graduate Studies. iii DECLARATION I, Samson Elias Mijah, do hereby declare that, apart from the references cited in this work, for which I have duly acknowledged, this work is the result of my own research. To the best of my knowledge, this thesis has neither in whole nor in part been presented for another Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) elsewhere. _____________________ SAMSON ELIAS MIJAH OCTOBER 2005 iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS My gratitude goes first, to God Almighty who graciously sustained me through the rigours, pains and joy of this terminal degree of a Ph.D. I acknowledge with thanks, the indefatigable supervisory role of Professor Cyril O. Imo, of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Jos. He has at several times availed himself to me for pure academic digest in respect to this thesis.
    [Show full text]
  • The Central Delta Languages: Comparative Word List and Historical Reconstructions
    The Central Delta languages: comparative word list and historical reconstructions [DRAFT CIRCULATED FOR COMMENT] Roger Blench Kay Williamson Educational Foundation 8, Guest Road Cambridge CB1 2AL United Kingdom Voice/ Fax. 0044-(0)1223-560687 Mobile worldwide (00-44)-(0)7967-696804 E-mail [email protected] http://www.rogerblench.info/RBOP.htm This printout: August 14, 2008 Roger Blench Comparative Central Delta: front matter. Circulation draft TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface..............................................................................................................................................................iii 1. Introduction: the Central Delta languages..................................................................................................... 1 2. Sources on the Central Delta languages........................................................................................................ 2 3. History and anthropology.............................................................................................................................. 3 4. Phonology ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 5. Morphology................................................................................................................................................... 3 6. Syntax...........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Languages of Rivers State of Nigeria: an Overview
    THE LANGUAGES OF RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW Ethelbert Emmanuel Kari1 Abstract This paper2 provides an updated overview of the languages of Rivers State of Nigeria in respect of the number, linguistic classification and features of the languages, as well as the distribution of the languages across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs)3 of the state. This is because the existing overviews contain little or no data on the linguistic features of the languages. It notes that Rivers State is a multilingual state in which 28 native or indigenous languages are spoken, and that the languages fall into two major sub-families (Benue-Congo and Ijoid) within the Niger-Congo phylum. With relevant data, the paper highlights and illustrates some of the interesting linguistic characteristics of the languages, which include advanced tongue root vowel harmony, noun classification via noun prefixes and noun classifiers, inclusive- exclusive distinction in personal pronouns, sex gender, verbal extensions, serial verb constructions and subject and/or object agreement marking. Furthermore, the paper considers the distribution of Rivers State languages and notes that the languages are not evenly distributed across the LGAs, and that many indigenous people of the state are bilingual or multilingual in the languages of the state. Finally, the paper notes that despite the enabling national and state policies and laws favouring mother-tongue education, Rivers State languages have not actively been used at the levels stipulated by the policies and laws. It recommends the enforcement and implementation of existing laws and policies so that the indigenous languages of the state are used at the levels stipulated by the National Policy on Education for the benefit of the citizens, state and country.
    [Show full text]