Abstract
Bassa language is classified as belonging to Kainji family under the sub-phylum Western-Kainji known as Rubasa (Basa Benue) (Croizier, and Blench, 1992:32). This paper discusses three basic strategies used in negativizing sentence structures, two of which attach to the verb stem as negative operators whereas the third operator is a particle which is notnecessarily an affix. The general negative marker –shìò is commonly used to negate an affirmative clause, tà- also attaches to verb stem to negate an imperative clause, and tà particle is used to negate perfective structures. All of these operators negate affirmative expressions and not only theverbs in questions but the whole clause. Where a perfective marker applies in a perfective tense, it precludes the attachment of the general negative marker; consequently the functions of both perfection and negation are fused in the particle tà.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
