The Particle ro in Bbaledha (Lendu)

Abstract

This paper targets to discuss the role of the particle ro in Bbaledha (Lendu). This particle seems to have a procedural function when used in discourse. Also, it overlaps in form with a postposition, which is readily known as marking direction toward something or a point. In this paper, I will look at the different meanings and functions of the particle ro with the purpose of bringing them together into a core meaning and function. I will, therefore, use two theories to achieve my goal: Relevance Theory and Cognitive Linguistics. I will argue that the particle ro has a core meaning that can be traced as originating from a substantive and means "body", as an abstract feature rather than a tangible thing. So, it seems that, while it is used in discourse, the particle ro contributes to turning the hearer's perspective in a deictic-procedural manner either to a period in time or a thing. In this paper, I also look at the syntactic distribution of the particle ro at different constituent levels, namely word, phrase, clause and between clauses. In fact, it looks as if in all constituents ro occurs in final position and tends to move with the constituent within which it is. This work consists of six chapters. The first chapter is a general introduction to the language, its genetic affiliation, its phonology, word-order typology and orthography. Chapter two specifically discusses the two theories of explanation: Relevance Theory and Cognitive Linguistics. Chapters three and four elaborate on the syntactical distribution of ro in different constituents. Finally, chapters five and six respectively present the search for the core meaning and function of the particle ro and the conclusion.