The Particle No in Zarma : A relevance Theory Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the role of the particle no in Zarma discourse. What is theoretically interesting about this particle is that one might see it as having two differing or contrasting functions. It seems to function both as a "focus marker" and as a "discourse topic marker". In this thesis, however, I would like to argue for a more economical analysis that takes into consideration both functions of the particle. Using Sperber and Wilson's Relevance Theory (RT) as the theoretical basis for this thesis, I will argue that this particle serves as a marker of syntactic scope, containing within its scope either a particular constituent of a clause or an entire clause. The information contained within the syntactic scope of the particle should be seen to contribute directly or indirectly to relevance for the hearer. Thus, the particle seems to have a basic watch this!' function. The speaker is signaling to the hearer that the information within the syntactic scope of the particle is essential for comprehension and relevance. In RT terms, as the indicator of focal scope, the information within the scope of the particle has the potential of creating cognitive effects in the listener, adding to his conceptual knowledge of the world. As an indicator of the scope of the discourse topic, it has potential of establishing a new context for the listener. Although I will not analyze the particle as a focus and/or topic marker, the syntactic scope that the particle indicates is, however, to be analyzed as either focus or discourse topic. I will, therefore, deal with focus and discourse topic as such. After having introduced the language background, the research methods and orthography, I will review the literature on focus and discourse topic. This thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter I incorporates the introduction, including language background, purpose of study, and research methods. Chapter II reviews the linguistic literature on the issues oi focus and discourse topic. Chapter III investigates the grammatical distribution of the particle no. Chapter IV introduces RT. Chapter V examines how the particle no is used in discourse, applying RT.