The Interface Between Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics in Nandi

Abstract

This study aimed at describing the interface between syntax, semantics and pragmatics of the Nandi simple sentence using the Role and Reference Grammar. The study sought to test the adequacy of the RRG in accounting for the Nandi simple sentences particularly on the interface between syntax, semantics and pragmatics. It also aimed at describing the focus structures of the Nandi simple sentences so as to account for the variations in the word order in the language. The data used in the analyses of simple sentences were collected through qualitative methods. The supplementary data were generated by the researcher who is the native user of the language through introspection. Other native speakers were also invited to help in data verification in order to avoid subjectivity. The data used in the analysis of word order and focus structures were collected in Nandi Hills Constituency by use of the questionnaire. The specific areas where the data were collected were Lessos, Nandi Hills and Sochoi. The simple sentences with VSO and VOS structures were administered to the both female and male native speakers of the Nandi language of ages above twenty five for them to mark right word order. Among the 15 respondents selected using simple random sampling, 9 out of 15, representing (80%) chose the VSO as the marked word order, 3 i.e. (20%) as marked while the remaining three (20%) indicated that the two word orders were used interchangeably. The conclusion from these findings established that the VSO is the canonical order whereas the VOS and other constructions are used mostly in focus constructions. As such, the focus domain was shown to greatly influence the arrangement of elements in Nandi. The findings on the components of a simple sentence in Nandi pointed to the fact that, a simple sentence is greatly affected by the morphological behaviour of the verb. The study established that the morphological operations that affected the sentence by increasing the number of logical arguments of a verb were mainly the applicatives (instrumental, locative and benefactive). Those that were identified to delimit the number of arguments were statives, reciprocals/reflexives, passives and antipassives. In terms of RRG account of the Nandi simple sentences, the study established that the theory was generally adequate in describing the Nandi simple sentences and all the inflectional elements of a verb. The theory, however, showed some inadequacy in accounting for the derivational affixes and some pronouns in the language. The study, therefore, had to resort to using a modified version of the operator projection so as to accommodate these elements.