A Comparative Analysis of Morphosyntactic Patterns in Nigerian Traditional Songs: A Focus on Yoruba and Hausa
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study:
Traditional songs in Nigeria serve as repositories of cultural history and linguistic creativity. In particular, Yoruba and Hausa songs reveal distinct morphosyntactic patterns that reflect each community’s heritage. Yoruba songs often employ extensive agglutination and tonal inflections, whereas Hausa songs utilize inflectional morphology to mark tense and mood. This study compares these two traditions by examining features such as affixation, compounding, and reduplication. By analyzing a corpus of traditional song lyrics collected from community archives and oral performances, the research investigates how these morphosyntactic patterns contribute to the conveyance of cultural values and social narratives (Olaniyi, 2023). It also explores the influence of regional dialects and intergenerational transmission on linguistic stability. The study further considers the impact of modern influences—such as digital media and urban migration—on traditional language use, questioning whether these innovations lead to morphological regularization or divergence (Adebayo, 2024). Ultimately, the study seeks to map the interplay between language structure and cultural expression in Nigerian music, offering insights that could aid in language preservation and educational initiatives (Ibrahim, 2025).
Statement of the Problem:
Despite the rich morphosyntactic traditions in Nigerian songs, limited comparative research exists on Yoruba and Hausa patterns. The lack of systematic analysis hinders our understanding of how traditional linguistic features are maintained or altered by modern influences (Olaniyi, 2023). This gap challenges efforts in cultural preservation and language education. Variations in morphological processes may affect not only the aesthetic qualities of the songs but also their communicative effectiveness, leading to potential loss of cultural meaning (Adebayo, 2024). This study aims to fill these gaps by comparing the morphosyntactic patterns in these two prominent Nigerian musical traditions (Ibrahim, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To document and compare morphosyntactic patterns in Yoruba and Hausa traditional songs.
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To analyze the role of these patterns in conveying cultural narratives.
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To assess the influence of modern language contact on these traditional forms.
Research Questions:
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What are the dominant morphosyntactic features in Yoruba and Hausa songs?
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How do these features contribute to the cultural meaning of the songs?
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In what ways have modern influences affected traditional morphological patterns?
Significance of the Study:
This study is significant as it bridges linguistic analysis and cultural preservation. By comparing Yoruba and Hausa morphosyntactic patterns, it contributes to understanding how language encapsulates cultural identity and history. The findings will benefit linguists, cultural historians, and educators aiming to safeguard indigenous language practices (Ibrahim, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses exclusively on traditional song lyrics from Yoruba and Hausa communities. It does not extend to other Nigerian ethnic groups or to contemporary musical genres.
Definitions of Terms:
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Morphosyntax: The system of word formation and sentence structure.
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Agglutination: The process of stringing together morphemes to form words.
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Reduplication: Repetition of a word or part of a word for emphasis or grammatical function.
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