Syntactic Analysis of Non-basic Constructions in Ékid

Abstract

This Chapter examines the structure of non-basic sentences in Ek d (Benue-Congo), with a view to determine their formation and transformation. A qualitative research design is adopted in the study; and the X-bar theory is deployed as the theoretical framework for data analysis. Data for the analysis were drawn from the central Ek d via elicitation. Analysis of data reveals that topicalization, left dislocation and clefting (focusing) are syntactic operations that show the evidence of NPs (arguments) movement from their based-generated (original) positions to non-argument positions. Furthermore, topicalization and focusing (clefting) in Ék d are similar in the argument movement. Both processes are leftward driven with the topicalized and left NPs moving leftwardly to occupy an empty slot, leaving behind a gap (t_i) at their base-generated positions. In topicalization, the topicalized NP is distinguished from other constituents of the topicalized construction using punctuation (a comma). In focusing (clefting), the cleft constituent is introduced by an element á-dè ‘it is’ or á-ké-dè ‘it was’ and accompanied by a focus marker ké (which is seen as a relative pronoun) to introduce the second part of the construction. This work serves as a tool for further research on the aspect of syntax in Ékd.