COLLOCATION FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: THE IGBO EXAMPLE

Abstract

Collocation is the tendency for words to occur together repeatedly. Certain lexical items exhibit the tendency to co-occur. Lack of the knowledge of collocation patterns of lexical items makes speakers of a language to be prone to all sorts of collocational errors which can be more disruptive in communication than grammatical errors. This paper examines the concept of collocation using Igbo examples. The work identified, classified and analysed major types of collocations in Igbo language. The work observes that correct use of strong collocations shows an excellent command of the language and can help impress native speakers of one’s ability to speak the language well. The knowledge of collocation in a given language will make one’s use of language more natural and easily understood. Also learning about words that commonly go together gives the speaker alternative and richer ways of expressing himself. Moreover the knowledge of collocation is of immense importance in semantics as one cannot achieve mastery of a language without the knowledge of words that go together. In addition, as languages are continuously developing, it is important that various aspects of Igbo language should be studied for the advancement of knowledge.