ASPECTS OF DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION IN ÍGÁLÂ
Authors: Sunday Abraham Unubi & Ojonugwa Johnpaul Naomi
Publication Details
Published: July 28, 2026
Reference: Volume 9, Issue 2
Abstract
This paper investigates denotative and connotative meaning in Ígálâ. The main focus of semantics in the study of linguistics is meaning, and without meaning, language is lost. What keeps any language alive is the ability of its speakers to provoke studies in various aspects of it, thereby creating a pool of knowledge from where many generations could drink. The method used involved both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The primary sources comprised oral interviews with 10 elder-speakers of Igala, for fresh insights on the topic, while the secondary sources involved extant studies that are related to the subject. The insights of the researchers as native speakers of Igala also played a big role here. For purposes of clarity in data presentation and analysis, the data on denotation is separate from that on connotation, and are transcribed and tone-marked accordingly with each containing 20. The framework for this study is the semantic theory, as proposed by Kempson in 1977. The finding of the study showed that aside denotative meaning of names of animals, trees and other things in Ígálâ, their connotative meanings are symbolic and proverbial, capable of teaching both older and younger generations useful and insightful moral lessons, such as: ìkéƖékʷu ‘rat’, which is connected with deceit and trick. So, a person who is labelled a rat is deceitful, cunning and crafty in character; etc. The study concluded by affirming the presence and use of the two meaning relations in the Igala language.
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How to Cite
Sunday Abraham Unubi & Ojonugwa Johnpaul Naomi. (2026). ASPECTS OF DENOTATION AND CONNOTATION IN ÍGÁLÂ. ABIA JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES , Volume 9 (2) .