Morpho-tonological Classification of Igbo Verbs

Abstract

Igbo verbs have been classified along morphological and tonal lines (cf. Emenanjo, 1978; Ogwueleka, 1987; Nwachukwu, 1995; Uchechukwu, 2011). On a morphological basis, simple, complex, compound and inherent complement verbs have been identified. Three tonal classes of verbs – high, high-low and low – are also identified. This paper discusses a morphotonological classification of Igbo verbs. From the investigation so far, the paper tries to show that there is an interaction between tone and the morphological classes of Igbo verbs. This interaction is perceived through the realization of tone since every vowel, and consequently every syllable, bears a tone. For example, for simple verbs, the tone borne by the vowel could be either high or low; for complex verbs, if the free verb bears a high tone, the affix bears a low tone. Consequently, if the free verb bears a low tone, the affix bears a high tone. For compound verbs, if the first verb bears a high tone, the second verb bears a low tone and vice versa. For inherent complement verbs, the tone borne by the vowel could be either high or low. This paper concludes that Igbo verbs take either a high or a low tone. The paper reaffirms the need to continue with the already established tone classes of Igbo verbs.

Keywords: Igbo verbs, morphological classes, tone groups, tone-morpheme interaction