Background of the study
Traditional music is a vibrant aspect of Tiv culture, deeply intertwined with language and social expression. This study appraises the influence of traditional Tiv music on morphological innovation within the language. In Tiv communities, musical performances and lyrical traditions often involve creative word formation, including innovative affixation, reduplication, and compounding that enrich the language’s expressive repertoire (Jatau, 2023). Musical lyrics, passed down through generations, frequently incorporate novel morphological constructions that reflect cultural values and communal narratives. Recent research suggests that traditional music not only preserves linguistic heritage but also serves as a dynamic medium for linguistic experimentation and innovation (Gbajumo, 2024). This study employs field recordings, lyrical analysis, and interviews with musicians to examine how traditional music shapes morphological patterns. By understanding these influences, the research aims to highlight the role of cultural arts in language evolution and provide insights for language preservation strategies in Tiv communities (Madu, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although traditional music is a cornerstone of Tiv cultural expression, its specific impact on morphological innovation is underdocumented. Preliminary observations suggest that musical traditions foster creative word formation; however, systematic research on this phenomenon is limited (Jatau, 2023). This gap hinders our understanding of how traditional music contributes to linguistic evolution and the preservation of cultural identity. Without detailed analysis, language revitalization efforts may overlook important cultural factors that drive morphological change (Gbajumo, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To document morphological innovations in Tiv music.
To analyze how traditional musical practices shape word formation.
To assess the cultural significance of these innovations.
Research questions:
What morphological innovations are present in Tiv music?
How do musical performances influence word formation?
What role does traditional music play in language evolution?
Research Hypotheses:
Traditional music significantly drives morphological innovation in Tiv.
Musical lyrics exhibit unique affixation and compounding patterns.
Cultural continuity correlates with linguistic creativity.
Significance of the study:
The study highlights the interplay between cultural arts and language, providing valuable insights into how traditional music fosters morphological innovation in Tiv. The findings will inform language preservation and cultural revitalization strategies (Jatau, 2023; Madu, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to examining the influence of traditional music on Tiv morphology and does not cover other linguistic domains.
Definitions of terms:
Morphological Innovation: New word-formation processes.
Traditional Music: Cultural musical expressions passed down through generations.
Tiv: An indigenous language spoken by the Tiv people.
1.1 Background of the study&...
Project Body
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Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
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