Thesis Abstract

ABSTRACT This research project focuses on the analysis of the verb phrase in Kahugu language, a lesser-known African language spoken in a small community in a rural region. The study aims to provide a comprehensive description and analysis of the structure and functions of the verb phrase in Kahugu, shedding light on its unique characteristics and properties. The research methodology employed in this study is primarily descriptive and analytical, drawing on data collected through fieldwork, interviews with native speakers, and analysis of texts in Kahugu language. The data collected is analyzed using linguistic tools and frameworks to identify patterns, structures, and functions of the verb phrase in Kahugu. The findings of the study reveal that the verb phrase in Kahugu exhibits a complex structure with multiple components, including the verb root, tense markers, aspect markers, mood markers, and agreement markers. These components combine in various ways to convey nuanced meanings, including tense, aspect, mood, and subject agreement. The study also identifies different types of verbs in Kahugu based on their morphological and syntactic properties, such as transitive verbs, intransitive verbs, stative verbs, and causative verbs. Furthermore, the analysis of the verb phrase in Kahugu language highlights the importance of context and pragmatic factors in interpreting verb phrases. The study shows that word order, intonation, and discourse structure play crucial roles in determining the meaning and interpretation of verb phrases in Kahugu. Additionally, the study discusses the use of auxiliary verbs and serial verb constructions in Kahugu and their implications for the structure and function of the verb phrase. Overall, this research project contributes to the documentation and understanding of the verb phrase in Kahugu language, providing valuable insights into its structure, functions, and properties. The findings of this study have implications for the fields of linguistics, language documentation, and language typology, adding to the growing body of knowledge on under-studied languages and contributing to the preservation of linguistic diversity.

Thesis Overview

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

1.0   Introduction

This is a research on the Verb Phrase of Kahugu Language, also natively known as Aniragu. Kahugu is a Language spoken in Saminaka District of Lere Local Government in Kaduna State. This chapter will provide informations on the historical background, geographical location, population, socio-cultural profiles (occupation, political systems, religion, festivals, mode of dressing and food of the Kahugu people).Also the genetic classification of the language, scope and organization of this study, data collection and analysis and the chosen theoretical framework.

1.1     Historical Background

It was believed that, the Kahugu’s were found around KATANGI “A hill”, in Kahugu area called “Aniragu”, which means “The People of Peace”. Kahugu Language belongs to the people of Piriga Chiefdom of Lere Local Government, which is one of the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria.

1.2   Geographical Location

The Kahugus are located in Lere Local Government, in Kaduna State. Lere Local Government was formerly known as Saminaka Local Government Council. It was split from the former Kachia Local Government in 1976 and got..