An Evaluation of Hausa Morphosyntax in Nigerian Traditional Storytelling: A Study of Oral Narratives in Northern Nigeria
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Background of the Study
Hausa, one of Nigeria’s prominent languages, has a rich tradition of oral storytelling that has long served as a vehicle for cultural expression and moral instruction in Northern Nigeria. The morphosyntactic structures embedded in these oral narratives are not only central to the language’s grammatical framework but also play a critical role in conveying cultural values and historical traditions (Abdullahi, 2023). Traditional storytelling, often performed in informal settings, relies on specific morphological and syntactic patterns that give shape to narrative structures, rhetorical devices, and emotive expressions. The study of Hausa morphosyntax in these narratives provides insight into how language is adapted to suit the dynamic needs of oral performance. Recent research has highlighted the interplay between linguistic form and cultural meaning in Hausa storytelling, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive analysis of its morphosyntactic elements (Sani, 2024). By examining narrative patterns, this study aims to document and evaluate the structural features that underpin Hausa oral traditions. It also explores how the evolution of modern communication media may be influencing these traditional structures, potentially leading to changes in narrative style and linguistic expression (Muhammad, 2025). This background discussion situates the research within the broader context of language preservation and cultural identity in Northern Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the centrality of oral storytelling in Hausa culture, there is a dearth of systematic research into the morphosyntactic structures that define these narratives. The lack of detailed linguistic analyses means that the subtle features that contribute to the effectiveness of oral storytelling remain poorly understood (Abdullahi, 2023). This gap in knowledge hinders efforts to preserve traditional linguistic forms and to integrate them into educational and cultural preservation programs. Moreover, the influence of modern communication methods may be altering these traditional structures, leading to potential loss of cultural specificity (Sani, 2024). The problem is compounded by the absence of standardized methodologies for analyzing morphosyntactic patterns in oral narratives, making it difficult to document and compare linguistic changes across different storytellers. This study aims to address these issues by providing a detailed evaluation of Hausa morphosyntax in traditional storytelling.
Objectives of the Study:
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To document the key morphosyntactic features present in Hausa oral narratives.
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To evaluate how these features contribute to narrative effectiveness and cultural expression.
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To assess the influence of modern media on traditional morphosyntactic structures.
Research Questions:
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What are the predominant morphosyntactic patterns in Hausa traditional storytelling?
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How do these patterns enhance narrative meaning and cultural expression?
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In what ways is modern communication influencing traditional morphosyntactic structures?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant for its contribution to understanding the intricate relationship between language structure and cultural expression in Hausa storytelling. By analyzing morphosyntactic features, the research offers insights into the mechanisms that preserve cultural heritage through oral narratives. The findings may inform strategies for language preservation and educational programming in Northern Nigeria. Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of modern media on traditional practices, providing a framework for future research in sociolinguistics and cultural studies (Muhammad, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses exclusively on the morphosyntactic aspects of Hausa oral narratives within traditional storytelling contexts. It does not extend to written forms or other dialectal influences outside Northern Nigeria. Data are drawn from selected storytellers, which may limit generalizability.
Definitions of Terms:
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Morphosyntax: The combination of morphological and syntactic elements that structure a language.
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Oral Narratives: Traditional spoken stories passed down through generations.
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Cultural Expression: The manifestation of cultural values and traditions through language and art.
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