NOMINAL COMPOUND IN IGBO: EVIDENCE FROM IZHI

Abstract

The assertion by Onuoha (1990) that there are no nominal compounds in the Igbo language has polarized scholars into two camps: those who support this claim and those who oppose it. Both sides have presented extensive data to bolster their arguments, yet the debate remains unresolved. This paper examines the arguments from both perspectives, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses. Rather than acting as an arbiter, this study introduces a new dimension by exploring the issue from a dialectal perspective, specifically the Izhi dialect. Our analysis establishes that nominal compounds do exist in the Igbo language when viewed through this dialectal lens.