An appraisal of the role of affixation in the development of Efik vocabulary in Calabar
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Affixation is a fundamental process in word formation that significantly contributes to the expansion and nuance of vocabulary. In Efik, spoken in Calabar, affixation plays a pivotal role in creating new lexical items and conveying subtle shifts in meaning. This study appraises how various affixes—prefixes, suffixes, and infixes—are employed in Efik vocabulary development. Traditional Efik utilizes affixation to express tense, mood, and aspect, as well as to generate derivatives and compounds (Obong, 2023). With the growing influence of modern media and educational practices in Calabar, there is an observable evolution in affixation patterns. The research examines both historical data and contemporary usage to identify shifts in morphological processes, exploring how these changes impact the richness of Efik vocabulary (Ekanem, 2024). Through a combination of corpus analysis and interviews with language experts, the study documents the frequency and functional significance of various affixes. This comprehensive appraisal will contribute to our understanding of Efik’s morphological system and support language preservation efforts by highlighting the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity (Udoh, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite its importance in lexical development, the role of affixation in Efik vocabulary formation has not been systematically evaluated. Preliminary findings suggest that modern influences are altering traditional affixation processes, yet there is insufficient empirical data to gauge these changes (Obong, 2023). The lack of comprehensive research limits our understanding of how new affixation patterns affect the semantic and grammatical integrity of Efik. This gap hinders language educators and policymakers from effectively addressing vocabulary development challenges in Calabar (Ekanem, 2024). A focused investigation is necessary to document current affixation practices and assess their impact on the evolution of Efik vocabulary, thereby informing strategies for language maintenance and educational improvement (Udoh, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To document the use of affixation in Efik vocabulary.
To analyze the impact of modern influences on traditional affixation patterns.
To evaluate the role of affixation in semantic expansion.
Research questions:
How is affixation employed in the development of Efik vocabulary?
What changes in affixation patterns are observed in contemporary Efik?
How do these changes affect meaning and grammatical structure?
Research Hypotheses:
Affixation is a key driver of vocabulary expansion in Efik.
Modern influences lead to significant shifts in traditional affixation patterns.
These shifts impact the semantic clarity of Efik words.
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it enhances understanding of how affixation shapes Efik vocabulary, offering insights for language educators and preservationists. The findings will inform curriculum development and policy in Calabar (Obong, 2023; Udoh, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to examining affixation in Efik vocabulary within Calabar and does not address other morphological processes.
Definitions of terms:
Affixation: The process of adding morphemes to a base word.
Efik: A language spoken in Calabar, Nigeria.
Vocabulary Development: The process of word formation and expansion.
Related Project Materials
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL LIBRARIES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHANCHAGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE
Background of the Study:
School library outreach programs aim to extend library services beyond the physical walls of the s...
An investigation of derivational morphology in Yoruba proverbs in Osun State
Background of the study
Derivational morphology, the process of forming new words through affixation and other morphologic...
An investigation of how sales promotions affect long-term customer loyalty: A case study of supermarkets in Kano State
Background of the Study
Sales promotions are short-term incentives used by retailers to encourage consu...
THE IMPACT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN RECRUITMENT PRACTICES
THE IMPACT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN RECRUITMENT PRACTICES
This study examines the impact of diversity and inclusion in recruitment p...
THE STATUS OF PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION OF CEREAL IN NIGERIA
ABSTRACT
The objectives of this study were to; described the status of cereal processing and preservation in Kaduna State.
&n...
An assessment of cultural perceptions of infertility and its influence on healthcare-seeking behavior in Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State
Background of the Study:
Cultural perceptions of infertility in Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State,...
An investigation of digital banking adoption on customer engagement in finance: a case study of Co-operative Bank of Nigeria
Background of the Study
Digital banking adoption has transformed the landscape of customer engagement by offering innovativ...
The impact of POS terminal upgrades on transaction speed in retail banking: a case study of Wema Bank
Background of the Study
Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals are critical in ensuring fast and accurate transactions in retail ban...
An Investigation of Cross-Border Collaborations in Islamic Banking
Background of the Study
Cross-border collaborations have become increasingly important in the globalized financial landsca...
DETERMINATION OF ACTIVE SWEET COMPONENTS OF COMMON ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS THAT ARE USED AS REPLACEMENT FOR SUGAR
ABSTRACT
This research investigated how the sweetness of sugar substitute compares to the sweetness of sugar. In this research different...
