OCCUPATION

They
Millet are
e.t.cpredominantly farmers. They plant grains like Rice, Yam, Cassava,
RELIGION
Owan people of
wide number areChristians
mostly traditionalist. They of
and few numbers believe in their gods and we have
Muslim.
DRESSING
The
theirowan havewomen
hat while their national
dress inattire
Blousewear.
and Men dress in Buba and wrapper with
two Wrappers.
FESTIVAL

Research Methodology

Methodology is a contextual framework for research, a coherent and logical

scheme based on views, beliefs, and values that guides the choices researcher make

(Helen, 2015). Methodology in research can be considered to be the attitude

towards knowledge generation that underlies any research activity. Hence, the

methodological framework deals with the theoretical laid down principles and

injunctions to be used during the course of this research work. Usually, different

methods are used to perform specific functions at different stages in the process;

methods are combined with each other to perform these functions in an optimal

way. This leads to a specific arrangement of methods within each exercise. The

causal theory of Government and Binding is considered to be the most suitable

approach.

This theory is a modular deductive theory of universal grammar which posits

multiple level of representation related by the transformational rule. However, it is

a more advanced theory of Universal Grammar.Sanusi (1996, p. 21) explained that

government and binding theory greatly eliminates proliferation of transformational

rules like passive, affix hopping, verb number agreement, question formation,

equi-NP deletion, raising permutation, insertion etc.

Hegman Grammar
of Universal (1991, p. which
13) defined
is the Government
system of alland
the Binding Theory
principles as common
that are a theory
to all human languages. Government and Binding Theory is otherwise known as
principle and parameter theory.In Government and Binding Theory, the grammar
is a continuous interaction between component and sub theories embodying
different principle and parameters.Government and Binding Theory operate
through the modules of grammar like government, case, control, theta, binding,
bounding and X-bar theory.

Data Collection

The data for the research work was collected through the help of a language helper

(informant method) with the use of the “Kwasu list of 500 basic items” (500 word list). It also

used the frame technique.

Frame technique is a template that shows different structural positions which a word can

occur in. This goes beyond looking at words in isolation. It was used to get the relevant

information that cannot be obtained by means of lexical items only.

The informant that kindly participated in the development of this research are;
NAME OF INFORMANTS
Name: Mrs Margaret
State: Edo State
L.G.A: Owan east
Town: Afuze
Age: 49yrs
Occupation: Trader
Other language spoken: Nigerian Pidgin English and Yoruba

Name: Mr Pape
State: Edo State
L.G.A: Owan
Town:
 Age: 57yrs
Occupation: Carpenter
Other language spoken: English

Data Analysis
Data
order analysis is based
to discover what on the forms
obtains in theproduced
language by the native
under speaker andthe
study. Therefore, it data
is implemented in
was analyzed
using the “Government and Binding” model, i.e. the different types of verb phrases and their
transformations is exemplified using different sub-theories of GB.
Statement of the Problem

Owan language has not really attracted the attention of various scholars following attempts in the

past and present to documents, develop modernize and standardize the language. This present

research in tends to examine the verb phrase in Owan language view to ascertaining the structure

of verb phrase in the language.

Aim and Objectives of the Study

The central aim of this study is to investigate verb phrase in Owan language. This aim is to be

realized through the following objectives:

To know the structure of verb phrase in Owan language.

To know the classes of verbs we have in Owan language.

To know the aspectual markers in Owan language.

To know the structure of sentence in Owan language.

Research Questions

What is the structure of verb phrase in Owan language?

What are the classes of verb in Owan language?

What are the aspectual markers in Owan language?

What is the structure of sentence in Owan language?

 Justification of the Study
The topic of this project is chosen in order to examine the structure of verb phrase in Owan. This

work serves as a useful material or document for student of linguistics interested in the research

and study the verb phrase in Owan Language.

This research serves as a priority to study the verb phrase in Owan and save it from going to

extinction. It will suit the desire of those that want to learn the language as a means of

communication.

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This long essay describes the Owan Verb Phrase. It examines the structure of verb phrase

in Owan language and the transformational processes involving the structure of verb phrase.

These processes and exemplifications are presented and analyzed using the model known as the

Government and Binding theory. This research is divided into five chapters. It is therefore

limited to the analysis of sentences in Owan verb phrase.