Pronouns between Arabic and Hausa Languages: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The research investigated the nature of pronouns in Arabic and Hausa Languages. It focused on the similarities and differences in the structure of the major types of pronouns in both languages. The points of convergence and divergences in the conception and use of pronouns in the two languages was emphasized throughout the chapters of the study. The study adopted a descriptive contrastive and analytical approach, whereby the researcher identified key issued relating to pronouns in both language, described and analyzed them in detail. Below are some of the key findings of the study: 1. The pronouns are more comprehensive and complicated in Arabic Language than in Hausa Language. The comprehensiveness reflects in multiplicity and diversity of class of pronouns, inflectional positions and functions among others. 2. The Pronouns of Arabic Language are distinct from those of Hausa Language in terms of the presence of peculiar forms for dual and feminine-plural pronouns. 3. Hausa language has eight pronouns only. The discrete pronouns are the same as the enclitic pronouns whereby they are formed sometimes by addition and other times by elision. 4. With respect to pronouns in Hausa Language, some of the terms and nomenclatures of Pronouns of Arabic Language do not exist.