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.
