A Cognitive Analysis of the Igbo Morpheme 'Na'

Abstract

In the literature on Igbo grammar, the prevailing idea is that the function of the morpheme na depends on its structural position in a syntactic construction. Therefore, the structure of the clause determines the various meanings and functions assigned to na in Igbo grammar. This paper argues that na has one consistent function in Igbo, which is rather cohesive: it functions as a grounding element in all the positions it occurs in the syntax of the language. This grounding function is explored within the Cognitive Grammar framework which proposes the systematic analysis of language within the milieu of universal human cognitive abilities. For Cognitive Grammar, the meaning of a word is not independent of the common traditions (socio-cultural beliefs included) of the users of the language in which it occurs. The study concludes that na functions to ground; (1) subjects to their locations, (2) subjects to their source or goal, (3) the verb in the complement, and (4) a subject to a state or condition.