The Role Of Tone in the Notion Of Negation In Igbo

Abstract: Igbo negation is replete with peculiar tonal characteristics, denoting polar and binary notions. This tonal analysis of selected Igbo nouns and verbs investigates this phenomenon. The main objectives of the study are to illustrate the function of
tone in negative sentences, noting the pragmatic implications of some tonal modulations in Standard Igbo's inherent negative nouns and verbs. The data were collected from diverse sources over a period, spanning about three months (June - August 2018). They were elicited mainly during normal conversations, meetings and other village gatherings. In addition, a good number of the data were provided by the researcher who is a native speaker of Igbo and is conversant with three different Igbo dialects and the Standard Igbo. The paper discovers that tone plays a very vital role in the use of inherent nouns and verbs in terms of their meanings, which denote polar and binary functions. The high tones of the negative poles of inherent negative words are greater than those of their positive counterparts. Most importantly, the tonal modulations give rise to some pragmatic or pragmalinguistic
interpretations that the world is full of negative polarity and binarity. This observation gives a significant explanation to the evil or vices that are overtaking or consuming the world today. Further investigation into this phenomenon is recommended. In particular, the inclusion of Igbo gender nouns: óké 'male' v. ńné/nwúnyè 'female' suffices to say that asserting their natural parallel nature would provide that neither can ever possess nor acquire the natural features and attributes of the other.