Syntax and Semantics of Negation in Akan

Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of negation in Akan, a Kwa language. It focuses on how negation is marked in Akan and on negative polarity items. Negation in Akan is marked by a homorganic nasal. This marker is prefixed to the verb stem. Adopting the X-Bar theory in the analysis of data on negation, the study discusses the types and scope of negation. Negation projects a negative phrase (NegP) following Saah’s (1995) account. There are two categorizations of negation types—syntactic and semantic. Based on the syntactic categorization, the types of negation identified are sentential and constituent. Explicit and implicit negation are the types identified based on the semantic categorization. Negation takes scope over the VP in an Akan sentence since it c-commands VP. Therefore, objects are also under the scope of negation. Under negation, there are certain expressions that occur only in negative sentences. These words are referred to as Negative polarity items. In this study, some NPIs identified in Akan include huu, hwee, ka se, di gyina, among others. These NPIs occur in different positions based on their word classes. Also some have restricted occurrence, while others do not. In Akan, it is only negation that licenses NPIs. They cannot be licensed in downward entailing environments as Ladusaw (1980) proposes. Also, Akan NPIs are bound, as stated by Progovac (1991). They are licensed by clausemate negation. They may, however, be licensed by higher clause negation.