This research is aimed at describing an aspect of syntax of Kaninkon language. And our focus is negation in the language.
Kaninkon is a language spoken in Jema’a local government area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. The native speakers call themselves kyung (Kaninkon). Although, the Kaninkon is not a major group in Nigeria, yet the speakers are found in various part of Nigeria, especially in the Northern part of the Country.
The Kaninkon people are among the indigenous tribe of Jema’a local government and Kafancha area in particular. The areas they occupy traditionally has border with Kagoro to the North-East, Bajju to the north, Kagoma to the West, Numana and Mada to the South. They are brothers with Nindem and Kanufi who are also to the South East.
In this chapter, we shall discuss the historical background of the speakers, the geographical location, social cultural profile of Kaninkon people and the genetic classification of the speakers together with the aims and objective of this research. In this chapter also, we shall be reviewing G - B syntax and relevant literatures on negation as a syntactic process in human language. And also, we shall mention the scope and organization of the study, statement of the research problems and research questions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tittle Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgements iv
List of Abbreviations and Symbols vi
Table of contents vii
CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL BACKGROUND
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Historical Background 2
1.3 Geographical Location 2
1.4 Socio Cultural Profile 3
1.4.1 Dressing 3
1.4.2 Religion 3
1.4.3 Festivals 4
1.4.4 Occupation 4
1.4.5 Marriage 4
1.5 Genetic Classification 4
1.6 Statement Of The Research Problem 6
1.7 Aims and Objectives 6
VII
1.8 Research Question 6
1.9 Scope and Organization 7
1.10 Data Collection 7
1.10.1 Field Methodology 8
1.11 Data Analysis 8
1.12 Review of the Chosen Frame Work; G.B Syntax 8
CHAPTER TWO : BASIC SYNTATIC CONCEPTS
2.1 Introduction 19
2.2 Basic Syntactic Concept 19
2.2.1 Lexical Categories in Kaninkon 19
2.2.2 Phrase Structure rule 26
2.2.3 Basic Word Order 32
2.2.4 Sentence Type 34
2.3 Functional Classification of Sentence 36
2.4 A brief Phonological Aspects of Kaninkon 39
2.4.1 Tone 39
2.4.2 Syllable Structure 40
CHAPTER THREE : NEGATION IN KANINKON
3.1 Introduction 43
3.2 Negation 43
3.3 Types of Negation 44
3.4 Negation in Kaninkon 50
3.5 Negation Markers in Kaninkon 51
3.5.1 Sentence Negation 51
CHAPTER FOUR : NEGATION AND TRANSFORMATIONAL PROCESSES IN KANINKON
4.1 Introduction 75
4.2 Transformation 75
4.2.1 Negation and Relativisation 76
4.2.2 Negation and Passivisation 85
4.2.3 Negation and Focusing 93
CHAPTER FIVE : SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Introduction 102
5.2 Summary 102
5.3 Conclusion 103
References
Historical Background
According to oral history, the Kaninkon is said to have originated from Katsina State, Nigeria. They may probably descend from the Kaita family in the present day Katsina State. This might have been made known from oral history passed down from our forefathers. Evidence of this origin can be noticed from the characteristics of both the Kaninkon and Hausa of Katsina. One of such features is the tribal mark. And the mode of burial was the same; both decorated the perimeter of the grave with broken pots.
The initial migration involved many clans but probably due to inter clan conflicts only two clans constitute the Kaninkon. They are Turan and Ngbechio. It is believed those who migrated from Katsina finally settled in a place called Gwok in the present day Gwong (Kagoma).
In the course of the conflicts already mentioned, other clans migrated further leaving behind the two clans at the present day geographical location-Gyannek (Bakin Kogi). The other break away clans may constitutes the other neighbouring people with the Kaninkon who share similarities in the language and culture.
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