English-Igbo Evaluation of the Multi-Dimensions of Igbo Prepositional Meanings

Abstract

This paper discusses “English-Igbo Evaluation of the Multi-dimensions of Igbo Prepositional meaningsâ€. It aims at explaining what is meant by English-Igbo prepositional meanings, enumerate the many dimensions of the meanings and analyse the implications of the multi-dimensional meanings on the Igbo language. It anchors on the Use Theory of Meaning. The data are obtained from secondary source and analysed using descriptive method. The results reveal that English-Igbo prepositional meaning refers to the notions and nuances of meaning which are perceived by the native English and Igbo speakers when some certain prepositions are used in Igbo grammatical constructions. Some of such prepositional meanings include: congregative, suppressive, attitudinal, joint-association and negative-tense-dependent prepositional meanings. This study has the implications of enhancing and sharpening the semantic knowledge of the Igbo-English speakers in their use of prepositions in both languages as well as making them to acknowledge the existence of prepositional notions, and the strategies for expressing such meanings.