This study discusses functional categories in Igbo within Noam Chomsky's
Minimalist Program (MP). Chapter 1 includes the introduction of the
concept of functional categories and why they take central place in the
study of syntax, as well as an overview of the Minimalist Program (MP).
Chapter 2 discusses some historical antecedents to MP. It further
discusses the economy principles of the MP as well as the place of
functional categories within the overall conceptions of the MP model.
Chapter 3 discusses five functional categories: Agreement, Tense,
Aspect, Negation and Determiner. In chapter 4, the Igbo functional
categories within the verbal domain: Tense, Aspect and Negation are
discussed. Chapter 5 is an application of the theoretical issues raised
in Chapter 2 to the analysis of the functional categories discussed in
Chapter 3. One interesting issue discussed in Chapter 5 is the role of
tone in realising some of the functional categories in Igbo. Chapter 6
discusses the functional categories within the nominal domain with much
emphasis on the determiner. A revised version of the author's doctoral
thesis, some of the conclusions are revolutionary, relevant to debates
in the linguistic theory and in Igbo studies in particular, as well as
serving as an introduction to MP.