The serial verb construction (SVC) in Edo (Bini), a language spoken in Nigeria, is examined, and an analysis that systematically characterizes the notion of functional relationship of verbs within these constructions is proposed. It is argued that the verbs in series are sensitive to different semantic and grammatical phenomena and are therefore…

An analysis of the status of Anglo-Nigerian Pidgin (ANP) looks at its origins and evolution in Nigerian history, its location in the Nigerian language situation, and its current sociolinguistic status. It is concluded that ANP possesses linguistic structures that have stabilized enough to give the speaker an impression of good and bad grammar.…

A discussion of Bolanci (also Bole or Bolewa), a West Chadic language spoken in northeastern Nigeria, focuses on one component of the system of complementation, the form "na." This form has an inherent semantic capable of influencing the meaning of sentences in which it is embedded, specifically, when present in a complex sentence,…

A study of Emai, an Edoid language of south-central Nigeria, focuses on the system of constraints governing tonal processes. Specifically, it examines the ways in which general processes of low tone raising and high tone lowering are realized in domains constructed by verbs and by preverbal auxiliary and adverbial constituents. Sequentially…

Clarifies the functional relationships within the fourfold deictic NAN/CAN adverbials in Hausa, a system that requires analysis in terms of several person-centric positional parameters. The primary determinant of speaker choices is the (spatial) position of the intended referent in relation to the participants at the time of the exchange. (50…

Semantic noun classes in Emai, an Edoid language of Nigeria, are examined with respect to a process of Reference Point Marking (RPM) in order to explore the relationship between discourse and lexical semantics. Across pre- and post-verbal positions subcategorized by verbs like "rere" ("to be far"), these classes are shown to…

A collection of essays on cross-cultural aspects of literacy education includes: "Conceptions and Uses of Literacy in a Papua New Guinea Village" (Don Kulick, Christopher Stroud); "Literacy and Feelings: The Encoding of Affect in Nukulaelae Letters" (Niko Besnier); "The Uses of Schooling and Literacy in a Zamfimaniry…

This guide is designed for Zarma language training of Peace Corps workers in agriculture in Nigeria, and reflects daily communication needs in that context. An introductory section provides background information on the program's objectives and its role in the Nigerian village context. Some useful phrases are introduced here. Subsequent sections…