PERSONAL AND IMPERSONAL PRONOUNS IN NGOR OKPALA COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT

The theme of this project provides a concise overview of pronominal elements in Igbo grammar, outlining their significance and relationship with lexical nouns. By establishing the groundwork for the subsequent analysis, the introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive examination of dependent pronominal elements. We seek to establish a clear distinction between the two main types of pronominal elements in Igbo: personal and impersonal (short, weak) pronouns. While independent pronominal elements find placement in both subject and object positions, dependent pronominals are confined to the subject position. The study highlights the latter's categorization as resumptive pronouns, as explored by Uwalaka (1995).Furthermore, the project elaborates on the functional diversity of pronominals in Igbo grammar, including their roles in subjects, direct and indirect objects, possessives, and pleonastic functions. The project investigates how dependent pronominal elements interact with other linguistic components within Igbo sentences. It explores their relationship with prepositions, pronouns, enclitics, and reflexive constructions, demonstrating their influence on the overall structure and coherence of 12 sentences.The project summarizes its findings by highlighting the core role that pronominals play in shaping Igbo language grammar. It reinforces the notion that pronominals are not standalone lexical entities but are phonologically deficient and reliant on adjacent lexical items for context and meaning. By relying on a descriptive approach and analyzing a diverse range of expressions, the study deepens our understanding of the intricate grammatical configurations within the Igbo language.