A CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF IGBO POLYSEMY

ABSTRACT

This study explores the underlying themes that permeates polysemy. It elucidates on polysemy and its contextual bearing on the Igbo language. Polysemy arises where one lexical item has two or more related meanings. There are some instances where polysemy brings about ambiguity which in turn distorts the meaning of lexical items. This study is based on literary meanings of polysemous lexemes in Igbo language. The study employs the use of primary data collected from informants (Competent Igbo language speakers) within the age range of 50-55 as well as secondary sources such as journals, literary works, etc. The Wittgenstein’s Use Theory formed the theoretical framework for this study. It was found out among other things that polysemy exist in Igbo language with use and context being central, there is a core meaning while the other meanings are metaphorical alluding to the core meaning. In light of the foregoing, the study recommends that Linguists should show interest in the use of polysemy to avoid word clusters that make discussions complicated and polysemous words in Igbo language should be included in the compilation of the standard Igbo dictionary by lexicographers. This will help to enrich the Igbo vocabulary, assist lexicographers in the compilation of a standard Igbo dictionary as well as Linguists and scholars as they try to expand the scope of their knowledge.