Research Article
The Influence of Intonation in Conveying Meanings in Conversation: A Study of Some Nigerian English Speakers
Mudassir Ismaila Moyi, Jafar Abdulmutallab
Middle East Research Journal of Linguistics and Literature; 38-46.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjll.2025.v05i03.001
Beyond contextual factors, intonation significantly influences meaning in conversation. Many a times, identical utterances yield different interpretations based on their intonational patterns. This study investigates intonation patterns in marking meanings and attitudes in Nigerian English, while also examining the persistent neglect of intonation instruction in school curricula despite its crucial role in conveying speaker attitudes and meanings. The study involved forty respondents (twenty each from Federal University Gusau and Zamfara State University Talata Mafara) enrolled in 200-, 300-, and 400-level English programs who had received basic intonation training. Participants were made to read twelve utterance items designed to assess their intonational competence. Employing O'Connor and Arnold's (1973) framework with quantitative analysis and stratified sampling, findings reveal that while respondents demonstrated fair intonational knowledge, many struggled to appropriately apply intonation patterns to convey varying meanings and attitudes in Nigerian English. The results support Banjo's (1976) and Cruz-Ferreira's (1989) assertions regarding Nigerian English speakers' limited use of complex English intonation tunes, particularly those expressing speaker attitudes during conversation.
Research Article
Morpho-Semantic Analysis of Borrowing in Legal Language: A Case of the Presidential Eligibility Judgment of Zambia
See Muleya, Mwangala Simasiku, Pethias Siame
Middle East Research Journal of Linguistics and Literature; 47-51.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjll.2025.v05i03.002
This article explores the word formation process of borrowing from the morpho-semantic perspective in light of the eligibility case judgment of Zambia. The article aims to morpho-semantically analyze borrowing in legal language with specific consideration of the presidential eligibility judgment of Zambia. It unravels the various acts of borrowing in the judgment, guided by three objectives; to identify the borrowed words (legal maxims) in the presidential eligibility case judgment of Zambia; to establish the etymology of the borrowed words (legal maxims) in the eligibility judgment of Zambia; and to describe the significance of borrowing in legal language. The lexical morphology theory was applied to analyze the data. Methodologically, the qualitative approach was taken with the case study design supported by document analysis as the main data collection method. The transcribed verbatim judgment presentation was the main source of data (secondary data). The study shows that borrowing is one of the morphological processes used in legal language to form words. Notably, there are over eight (8) borrowed words (terms) in the eligibility judgment. The study establishes that most of the borrowed words (terms) are of Latin origin. The findings further reveal that the use of Latin terms in legal language is attributed to several factors including; culture and tradition, vocabulary expansion and preference, and globalization among others. The study concludes that the concept of borrowing is an ever-present morphological phenomenon that plays a significant role in the legal language system not only in Zambia but the entire world of law practitioners.
Research Article
Unraveling the Connection between Morphological Awareness and Vocabulary Development in Learners with Developmental Disorders
Nkandu Musonda, Pethias Siame
Middle East Research Journal of Linguistics and Literature; 52-57.
https://doi.org/10.36348/merjll.2025.v05i03.003
This study investigates the relationship between morphological awareness and vocabulary development in learners with developmental disorders. It delves into how morphological awareness influences the acquisition and expansion of vocabulary in individuals facing developmental challenges. Given that learners with developmental disorders often face challenges in these areas, the primary aim of this study is to explore the extent to which morphological awareness contributes to vocabulary development in learners with developmental disorders. By investigating this connection, the research aims to shed light on potential interventions and educational strategies that can be tailored to improve language skills in this population. The study employs a mixed approach, combining qualitative semi-structured interviews and standardized assessments of morphological awareness conducted alongside quantitative analysis of linguistic patterns and comprehension strategies in children diagnosed with specific developmental disorders. Participants included 40 learners aged 6-12 years who were diagnosed with various developmental disorders at Mambilima Special School in Mwense District, Zambia. Data collected through standardized tests and semi-structured interviews were analyzed thematically and descriptively. The findings reveal a significant correlation between morphological awareness and vocabulary development in learners with developmental disorders. Individuals demonstrating higher levels of morphological awareness exhibit greater vocabulary breadth and depth. Moreover, the qualitative analysis uncovers specific morphological strategies employed by these learners to decode unfamiliar words and derive meaning from context. The findings underscore the critical role of morphological awareness in supporting language learning and suggest targeted interventions to foster vocabulary growth in individuals with developmental disorders.
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