Friday, October 8, 2010

Onomastics: Noun Phrases and Simple Sentences.

Names could be used in analysing the grammar of the Yoruba Language. The structure of the language would be revealed when names are analysed.

Noun phrases are formed when two nouns are juxtaposed with one of the noun qualifying the other noun. We have the structure A of B. B is qualifying A. For example:
A         B
Ade +Ola = Adeola
Crown of Wealth/status

Ade+ Olu = Adeolu
Crown of the Almighty

Iyi+ Ola = Iyiola
Prestige of high status

Oyin + Ola = Oyinola
Pleasantness of wealth

A Simple Sentence

When a predicator comes between two nouns, we have a simple sentence. Usually, there is an elision whenever we have a simple sentence. It could be the vowel in the predicator that will be elided or the first vowel of the object. At times there is a change in vowels or consonants.
Ade ko Ola
Adek'ola
(The crown receives honor)
Ade  Gba Ola
Adegb'ola
(The crown receives honor)
Ade Gba Ite
Adegb'ite
(The crown receives a throne)
Ogun Gba Iyi
Ogungbuyi
(Ogun receives respect)
Olu Se Eye
Oluseye
(God made an adornment)
Ola Ni Eye
Olaleye
(status has dignity)
Ade Ni Iji
(Crown has protection).
Ade La Ibu
Adelabu
(Crown crosses deep waters)
Olu Se Ogun
Olusegun
(God breaks the resistance).