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Full Project – A contrastive analysis of verb patterns in English and Hausa languages

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Language, as a fundamental aspect of human communication, is a subject of profound significance in our daily lives. It is the medium through which we express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas, making it an indispensable part of our existence. Throughout the world, a multitude of languages exist, each characterized by its unique structures and patterns, reflecting the diverse tapestry of cultures and traditions. This rich linguistic diversity necessitates an exploration of the distinctions and commonalities among languages, with a specific focus on verb patterns(Attat2).

In the view of Amfani (51), African languages can only be adequately classified, analyzed, and described if comparative approach is adopted by all stake-holders in the study of the languages. In this regard, many writers have written on the values of contrastive analysis and among such literature is Lado. (2-3). According to him, the differences that may exist between languages could be the causes of difficulties that speakers of first language (L₁) may experience while speaking the Second language (L₂) (Lado2-3).

Banathy’s linguistics analysis shares the same views with Lado (4). These views show that knowing the linguistic and cultural elements of the first andSecond Language (L2) would help teachers focus more attention on the areas of need to be stressed. Also related to the study are the works of Nickel and Parren (12) which are concerned with the contrast and similarities which can help in the study of applied linguistics and construction of language teaching courses.

Attat (2), one of the most intriguing aspects of language is the way it shapes our understanding of the world. Different languages have their own distinctive ways of expressing actions and events through verbs. These variations in verb patterns can shed light on the cultural and cognitive differences between linguistic communities. For instance, in English, the simple past tense typically involves adding “-ed” to the base form of a verb (e.g., “walked” for “walk”). In contrast, the Spanish language employs a variety of verb conjugations to indicate tense, aspect, and mood.

To delve into the intricate world of verb patterns and their cultural implications, scholars have conducted extensive research. According to Smith (145-162), the structure of a language’s verb system can reveal much about the society that speaks it. For instance, some languages have specific verb forms for showing respect or politeness, reflecting the importance of hierarchy in those cultures. This is evident in Japanese, where different verbs are used when addressing superiors or showing respect, known as keigo.

Furthermore, linguistic research has shown that the way different languages express time can have a profound impact on the way speakers think about time. This concept, known as linguistic relativity, has been explored by Whorf (21) and has led to the idea that language can influence our perception of reality. For instance, languages that rely heavily on verb tenses to indicate time may shape speakers’ perception of time as something that can be pinned down precisely. In contrast, languages with a more fluid approach to time, such as the Hopi language, may lead to a more flexible conception of time.

One of the striking aspects of language is its role as a cultural repository. It carries the collective wisdom, values, and traditions of a community. Verb patterns within a language often encapsulate the unique cultural nuances and priorities of its speakers. For instance, the Navajo language includes a rich set of verb forms that describe various aspects of motion, reflecting the importance of spatial awareness in Navajo culture. This intricate web of verb patterns serves as a linguistic portal into the worldview of the Navajo people (Levinson, 12-15).

Moreover, language and its verb patterns influence cognitive processes. The linguistic relativity hypothesis, often associated with Benjamin Lee Whorf, posits that language shapes thought. For instance, the distinction between past, present, and future tenses in many languages affects how speakers conceptualize time. In languages where verb tenses clearly differentiate past, present, and future events, individuals may develop a more linear perception of time, emphasizing precise sequencing. Conversely, in languages with less distinct temporal markers, a more cyclical or holistic view of time may emerge (Boroditsky, 63-65).

Furthermore, verb patterns play a pivotal role in effective communication. They allow speakers to convey complex temporal and causal relationships. In narratives, for instance, the choice of verb tenses and aspects can shape the listener’s understanding of the sequence of events and their interconnections. A study by Givón (72) revealed how verb tense and aspect are essential for maintaining the coherence of discourse. Verbs serve as anchors that tether events together, making the story intelligible and engaging.

The influence of verb patterns on cognition and communication extends to the legal and scientific domains. In the legal context, precise language and verb patterns are crucial for crafting contracts and legislation to avoid ambiguity. Similarly, in scientific research, the choice of verb tenses can significantly impact the clarity of findings. For example, in academic writing, the use of the present tense for general facts and the past tense for specific experimental results helps readers distinguish between established knowledge and empirical evidence (Swales & Feak, 95).

Language is a fundamental element of human communication, shaping the way we express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Verb patterns within languages, in particular, reveal intriguing differences and similarities. This study delves into a contrastive analysis of verb patterns in two distinct languages, English and Hausa, to shed light on the intricacies and variations that exist between them.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Every language of the world has its own verb patternsand the rules governing the formation.The coexistence of multiple languages within a geographical area, such as Nigeria, gives rise to the need for a better understanding of linguistic diversity. English and Hausa are two prominent languages in Nigeria, each with its unique verb patterns. English and Hausa are two different languages with different linguistic origins, backgrounds, and conditions that make them naturally different. It is obvious that the verb pattern in English and Hausa words create problems in the teaching and learning of English, the target language. Despite the fact that scholarly works have been done on the verb patterns of the Hausa and other languages, yet not much has been done on the English and the Hausa verb patterns.

The problem at hand is to explore and compare these verb patterns in detail, uncovering how they function and where differences and similarities lie. The researcher intended to compare the verb patterns in English and Hausa languages and unravel the implications the linguistic differences may have on the adequate teaching and learning of the second language called English. This research was set to fill this vacuum.Understanding these linguistic distinctions is crucial for language learners, teachers, and researchers, as it can lead to more effective communication, teaching, and translation.

1.3 Research Questions

To address the aforementioned problem, this study will focus on the following research questions:

What are the similarities in verb patterns between the English and Hausa languages?
What are the potential differences in verb structures between English and the Hausa language?
In which specific areas might challenges arise when working with verbs in both English and Hausa language?

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive contrastive analysis of verb patterns in English and Hausa languages. To achieve this aim, the following objectives will be pursued:

To identify thesimilarities in verb patterns between the English and Hausa languages.
To determinethe differences that may exist between the verbs of English and Hausa Language.
To examine the areas wheredifficulties may emerge when dealing with verbs in both English and Hausa language.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study will primarily focus on verb patterns in English and Hausa languages as spoken in Nigeria. The scope encompasses the examination of various tenses, aspects, and moods, as well as syntactic structures related to verbs in these languages. This analysis will include the identification of similarities and differences in these verb patterns. However, it does not extend to the entire grammatical structures of both languages.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is profound, as it has the potential to greatly improve language education, communication, and intercultural understanding within Nigeria. Through its comprehensive examination of contrastive verb patterns, this research promises to offer invaluable insights that can benefit language educators, students, and scholars. These insights can lead to more efficient language acquisition and enhanced cross-linguistic communication, ultimately fostering better intercultural relationships. Furthermore, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on linguistic diversity, with a specific focus on Nigeria, shedding light on the unique linguistic landscape within the country. This knowledge is essential for promoting linguistic and cultural appreciation in the region.

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