1.1 Introduction
Noun phrase also known as nominal phrase (abbreviated as NP) is a type of phrase which has a noun or an indefinite pronoun as head word of its phrase. Noun phrases are very common and are the most recurring phrase type. Noun phrases sometimes function as subjects and objects of verbs, as predicate expressions, and as the complements of prepositions. This is a long essay on the noun phrase of kurama language. It is aimed at describing the structure of noun phrase of the language under Government and Binding syntax. The noun phrase (NP) is the category that codes the participants in the event, or the state described by the verb. The NP is headed by (N), or pronoun (when it will not be modified). It is by virtue of this headedness that the phrase is called the noun phrase.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Kurama language is a language spoken in Lere local government Area of Kaduna State. The tribe known generally as the Kurama, but who themselves the Akurmi (Sing Bukurmi), or forest people, are situated to the north and north-west of the Katab in the Zaria province. They number between 11,000 and 12,000 persons and are administered by the Emir of Zaria.
According to Meek (1931), the kurama speakers claim a traditional connection with Kano, and in proof of this claim assert that the Kurmi market at Kano derived its name from them (viz. The Akurmi). The more learned among them, i.e. those most influenced by contact with Muslims; profess to be able to trace the wandering on the tribe back to the time when they dwell at Medina.
In later days, they were subject to ancient kingdom of Zaria, and during the days when Zaria fell under the influence of Kebbi and Songhai, the Kurama suffered at the hands of the Kebbawa who raided the district annually for slaves. They are also raided frequently by the Ningi in the nineteenth century. The Kurama are “playmates” with the people of Kano, and with the Kanuri, but whether this is due to any close association in the past cannot now be determined.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Aspects of Noun Phrase in Kurama Language.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that nouns do not assign any case. Furthermore, on the assignment of case, all noun phrases that have phonetic content must have case or else they are ill formed. This corollary is known as the case filter which is only detachable in the phonetic form. Case filter states that any NP without a case assigned should not filter out.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Aspects of Noun Phrase in Kurama Language. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
To examine the phrase structure rules, lexical categories; the language attests S.V.O and order.
- To describe the structure of noun phrase of the language under Government and Binding syntax.
- To examine the transformational processes attested in kurama language; and
- To assess the phonological system of language, the sound system of kurama language, and its tone and syllable inventory.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the structure of noun phrase of the language under Government and Binding syntax?
- What are the transformational processes attested in kurama language?
- What is the phonological system of language, the sound system of kurama language, and its tone and syllable inventory?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Aspects of Noun Phrase in Kurama Language. This particular work focuses its attention on the formation of noun phrase in the Kurama language.
The description will also delve on some of the peculiar features of the language. This research is expected to add to the linguistic finding on Kurama language.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection.
1.9 Organisation of Study
This research work has five chapters. Chapter one is the introduction covering the historical background, socio-cultural and socio-linguistic profile of Kurama language and its speakers as well as the genetic classification, scope and organization of study, including theoretical framework, data collection, data analysis and a brief review of the chosen framework. Chapter two focuses on the basic syntactic concepts which include phrase structure rules, lexical categories basic word order and the sentences Types. Chapter three focuses on the aspect of noun phrase in Kurama language, chapter centers on the transformational processes of the language. Chapter five concludes the research work.
