An evaluation of compound word strategies in indigenous Nigerian languages among the Tiv
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- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Compound word formation is a vital strategy in indigenous Nigerian languages, and the Tiv language exemplifies creative compounding in everyday communication. This study evaluates compound word strategies among the Tiv, focusing on how speakers combine multiple lexical items to express complex ideas. Traditional Tiv compounding reflects cultural narratives and practical communication needs, revealing deep-seated cognitive and cultural patterns (Ogbonna, 2023). Recent linguistic research indicates that compound formation serves as both a creative and functional mechanism for vocabulary expansion. Fieldwork in Tiv communities shows that compounding strategies vary according to context, with some compounds emerging in formal settings while others are prevalent in informal discourse (Afolabi, 2024). The study uses corpus analysis and ethnographic interviews to document these strategies, investigating factors such as semantic transparency, productivity, and innovation. The goal is to understand how compound formation contributes to language vitality and to inform language preservation and educational initiatives aimed at sustaining indigenous linguistic practices (Udo, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although compound word formation is central to Tiv linguistic expression, there is limited systematic research on the strategies employed by Tiv speakers. Preliminary findings suggest that traditional compounding methods are evolving under modern influences, yet comprehensive documentation is lacking (Ogbonna, 2023). This research gap hinders efforts to develop effective language teaching materials and preservation policies for the Tiv language, as the dynamic nature of compound formation remains underexplored (Afolabi, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To document compound word strategies in Tiv.
To analyze semantic and structural characteristics of Tiv compounds.
To evaluate the impact of modern influences on traditional compounding.
Research questions:
What compound word strategies are prevalent in Tiv?
How do these strategies vary by context?
What factors influence changes in compounding patterns?
Research Hypotheses:
Traditional compounding strategies are predominant among the Tiv.
Modern influences lead to observable modifications in compounds.
Compounding patterns vary with social and situational context.
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it provides critical insights into the compound word strategies of the Tiv, informing language preservation and educational initiatives. The findings will help linguists and policymakers understand the dynamics of indigenous compounding, thereby contributing to the maintenance and revitalization of the Tiv language (Ogbonna, 2023; Udo, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to compound word formation in Tiv and does not address other morphological processes.
Definitions of terms:
Compound Word: A lexical item formed by combining two or more words.
Indigenous Languages: Native languages traditionally spoken in a region.
Tiv: A language spoken by the Tiv people of Nigeria.
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