An examination of the syntactic realization of focus in Hausa language among traditional orators in Kano
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- NGN 5000
Background of the study
Traditional orators in Kano have long relied on nuanced syntactic strategies to signal focus in their discourses, thereby enhancing the rhetorical impact of their performances. In Hausa language, focus realization is achieved through a variety of syntactic means, including word order alterations, intonational cues, and the strategic use of particles. This study examines how traditional orators employ these mechanisms to foreground key information and influence audience interpretation. Field recordings and ethnographic observations indicate that orators deliberately manipulate syntactic structures to mark new versus given information, thereby engaging listeners and preserving oral traditions (Adebayo, 2023). Moreover, the study highlights the interplay between cultural values and linguistic form, as the realization of focus reflects both artistic expression and communicative efficiency. By comparing performances across different oratory styles, the research aims to document recurring patterns and innovations in focus marking. It also explores how such syntactic choices contribute to the overall persuasiveness and memorability of traditional speeches, reinforcing the social role of oratory in community cohesion (Chukwu, 2024). The investigation employs both qualitative discourse analysis and quantitative coding of syntactic features to provide a comprehensive account of focus realization in Hausa oratory.
Statement of the problem
Despite the central role of focus marking in effective oral communication, systematic research on its syntactic realization in Hausa traditional oratory remains limited. Preliminary evidence suggests that variations in focus construction among orators may affect message clarity and cultural transmission (Ike, 2023). This study aims to address the gap by analyzing recorded performances, yet the lack of standardized methods for capturing subtle syntactic shifts poses a significant challenge. Understanding these variations is crucial for documenting linguistic heritage and guiding language preservation efforts.
Objectives of the study
- To identify syntactic strategies used to realize focus in Hausa oratory.
- To analyze variations in focus marking among traditional speakers.
- To assess the impact of these strategies on audience engagement.
Research questions - What syntactic devices do traditional Hausa orators use to indicate focus?
- How do these devices vary across different oratory styles?
- What is the effect of focus marking on listener interpretation?
Significance of the study
This study is significant because it deepens our understanding of focus realization in a culturally rich oral tradition. Its findings will inform both theoretical models of syntax and practical efforts to preserve indigenous linguistic practices. The research offers valuable insights for linguists, educators, and cultural preservationists, fostering an appreciation of the intricate relationship between language form and social function (Olumide, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study
This study is limited to examining the syntactic realization of focus in Hausa among traditional orators in Kano. It does not extend to other discourse types or modern media representations.
Definitions of terms - Focus Realization: The syntactic and prosodic means by which important information is highlighted in a sentence.
- Traditional Orators: Speakers who perform oral speeches following long-established cultural practices.
- Hausa Language: A Chadic language widely spoken in northern Nigeria.
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