VERB PHRASE IN ABẸ́SÀBẸ́SI
Abstract
This study examines the syntactic structure of Verb Phrases (VP) in the Abẹ́sàbẹ́si dialect within the framework of Government and Binding Theory. The analysis focuses on key sub-theories, including Government, Theta, and Case Theory, to explain the relationship between verbs and their arguments, as well as case assignments in the dialect. Data were elicited through native speaker intuitions, recorded conversations, and structured interviews. The findings reveal unique syntactic patterns in VP constructions, such as the interaction between tense markers, auxiliary verbs, and main verbs, which differ significantly from standard Yorùbá. This research contributes to the documentation and understanding of Abẹ́sàbẹ́si, a less-studied dialect, and fills gaps in the study of indigenous Nigerian languages, offering insights into their syntactic structures.
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