A CONTRASTIVE STUDY OF ENGLISH AND IGBO DENOMINAL NOUNS

ABSTRACT This study focuses on analyzing and contrasting the processes of denominal noun in both English and Igbo languages. The method of data analysis is contrastive, since this research is a contrastive study of English and Igbo denominal noun. In trying to find out the similarities and differences, English and Igbo denominal noun are compared so as to postulate the degree of possible interference the Igbo learner will have in learning the English as a second language. The researcher applies marching method of contrastive analysis. It has been revealed that all denominal noun processes are generally rule-governed. General similarities appear in both languages, in borrowing, affixation and compounding. Both languages use infixes and suffixes in forming its denominal noun. Contrastive statement reveals that unpredictable formations in English: clipping, acronyms, blending and word-manufacture, are not found in Igbo except for clipping which is found in a few Igbo Christian names. Others are reduplication, syllable reduction and noun agent/object combination and compounding. The study submits that even though English and Igbo share some linguistic universals, still their processes of forming noun from noun are not sometimes clear.