TENSE AND ASPECT IN IGBO LANGUAGE

ABSTRACT

This research work examined tense and aspects in Igbo Language. This research was done in order to prove that Igbo language is marked by certain grammatical categories i.e. tense and aspect just as in every other language of the world, which are used to indicate the time of events/ actions as well as the duration, inception, continuity and completion of such events/ action. For this research, the method used is a descriptive survey. Data was collected through oral interviews with native Igbo speakers. The researcher also listened to recordings of spoken Igbo to get primary information. Additionally, written sources like journals, dissertations, and previous research by scholars were used as secondary sources. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis involved studying how tense and aspect are used in different contexts, while quantitative analysis looked at frequency and patterns. The findings are presented in both Igbo and English translation. The theoretical framework used for this study is aspectual theory. The theoretical framework adopted in this work is based on Aspectual theory, which posits that aspect is a distinct grammatical category that operates independently of tense. Top of Form

This research project aims to investigate the intricate relationship between events and time in Igbo language through the lens of tense and aspect and how these grammatical categories operate in Igbo Language. The study explored how Igbo speakers use these linguistic tools to convey various temporal nuances and how they shape the perception and understanding of events over time. The study also shows us the differences between tense formation and aspect in the Igbo language, the different markers that are used to express them and that the two grammatical categories exist as functional categories in Igbo Language.