ASPECTS OF ỤKWỤẠNÍ GRAMMAR: A STUDY OF THE NOUN PHRASE

Abstract

This study investigates aspects of the noun-phrase in Ụkwụạní, an Igboid variety spoken in Ukwuani/Ndokwa Communities of Delta State, Nigeria. The aim is to describe the internal structure, modifier order, and concord relations within the Ụkwụạní NP. Using data elicited from four (4) native speakers, aged 38–67 in Obiaruku, in May 2025, the study adopts a descriptive-qualitative approach within a structural framework. Findings reveal four main patterns: (1) a fixed post-head order of Noun + Adjective + Numeral + Demonstrative; (2) tonal concord between the Noun head and its dependents; (3) regular use of a prenominal associative with tone alternation; and (4) emerging pre-head placement of demonstratives among younger speakers due to contact with English and Pidgin. The study contributes to knowledge by providing the first grammatical description of the Ụkwụạní NP, supporting dialectal diversity in Igboid, offering resources for language teaching and documentation, and establishing a baseline for future research on syntactic change in distinct Igboid languages.