The syntax of WH - words in Kimeru
Abstract
This work is an investigation into the syntax of the wh
words of Kimeru. It aims at analysing Kimeru constructions
that contain wh words with a view to finding out how the
latter structure and function in the language. The study is
carried out within the Government and Binding framework.
Since there isn't much that has been written on the
grammar of Kimeru language, we begin our study with a section
on linguistic and historical background to the study for the
sake of readers who might not have any knowledge of this
particular language that we are analyzing. This is then
followed by a discussion of the theoretical framework to be
employed and a brief review of related literature.
In the second chapter we present a syntactic analysis of
the simple sentence (clause) in Kimeru. We establish the
constituents of the clause in Kimeru, and also present
functional typology of Kimeru sentences aimed at establishing
the construction types of Kimeru that contain wh words. The
chapter then closes with a brief discussion of the wh - words
of Kimeru. This chapter is designed to serve as a prelude to
chapter three in which we present and analyze our data on the
syntax of wh - words in Kimeru.
Chapter three therefore opens with a section that seeks
to establish the wh - positions In
- Kimeru. After that we discuss the effects of the rule of wh - movement in Kimeru
wh - questions, relative clauses and cleft constructions.
The study then closes with a conclusion that the rule of wh
wh
movement is operative in Kimeru language in two ways.
-questions it is optional
level, at the s structure
In and obligatory at the LF whereas for wh - relative
clauses and cleft constructions the rule operates obligatorily
both at the s Structure and also the LF level.
Subsequently we applaud the G8 theory in its ability to
effectively handle data from yet another natural language.
Citation
M.A (Linguistics) Thesis 1989Sponsorhip
University of NairobiPublisher
Depatment of Literature, University of Nairobi
Description
Master of Arts Thesis