A Comparative Analysis of Morphological Complexity in Nigerian Indigenous Languages: A Focus on Igbo and Yoruba
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Background of the study
Nigerian indigenous languages, such as Igbo and Yoruba, exhibit rich morphological systems that form the backbone of their linguistic structure. Morphological complexity, which encompasses processes like affixation, reduplication, and compounding, is crucial for conveying nuanced meanings and cultural subtleties. This study compares the morphological complexity of Igbo and Yoruba by examining linguistic corpora, educational texts, and recorded oral narratives. It explores how each language constructs words and how these morphological processes contribute to overall language comprehension and cultural identity (Adesola, 2023). Differences in morphological complexity not only affect language acquisition and literacy but also influence the preservation of traditional knowledge. The research aims to identify specific morphological features that distinguish Igbo and Yoruba, analyze their cognitive implications, and evaluate their impact on language policy and education (Uche, 2024; Okafor, 2025). By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of indigenous language structure and informs efforts to standardize and preserve Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.
Statement of the problem
There is a paucity of comparative research on the morphological complexity of Nigeria’s major indigenous languages. Differences between Igbo and Yoruba, in terms of affixation patterns and word formation, are not well documented, impeding language policy formulation and educational curriculum design (Adesola, 2023). This research gap limits our understanding of how morphological complexity affects language acquisition and cultural continuity. The study aims to address this issue by providing a systematic comparative analysis of Igbo and Yoruba morphology, thereby offering insights that can support effective language teaching and preservation initiatives (Uche, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
1. To compare morphological processes in Igbo and Yoruba.
2. To analyze the impact of these processes on language comprehension.
3. To recommend strategies for language preservation and education.
Research questions:
1. What morphological features distinguish Igbo from Yoruba?
2. How does morphological complexity affect language learning?
3. What measures can enhance indigenous language preservation?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it offers a comparative examination of morphological complexity in Igbo and Yoruba, providing valuable insights for linguists, educators, and policymakers. The findings will contribute to more effective language teaching strategies and support efforts to preserve Nigeria’s rich linguistic heritage (Okafor, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is confined to comparing morphological complexity in Igbo and Yoruba. It does not consider other Nigerian languages or extralinguistic factors.
Definitions of terms:
1. Morphological Complexity: The intricacy of word formation processes.
2. Indigenous Languages: Native languages spoken by the original inhabitants.
3. Affixation: The process of adding prefixes or suffixes to base words.
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