Abstract:
This study examines the thematic (theta) roles of literal motion verbs in Hausa, using Theta Theory within the Government and Binding framework as the analytical lens. Twenty (20) literal motion verb examples were drawn from the (1933) Hausa Literary Competition novel Jiki Magayi. The research identifies the theta roles assigned to subjects, complements, and adjuncts, focusing on Theme, Goal, Source, Path, and Co-Theme. Findings show that Hausa motion verbs systematically assign these roles, with subjects consistently functioning as Themes. Goal and Path expressions appear as obligatory or optional complements, while comitative and manner phrases serve as adjuncts without violating the Theta Criterion. The analysis demonstrates that Hausa motion verbs exhibit a transparent mapping between semantic roles and syntactic positions, highlighting the interaction between syntax and semantics in a Chadic language context..
Keywords: Hausa, motion verbs, theta theory, thematic roles, syntax-semantics interface
DOI: 10.36349/djhs.2025.v03i02.010
author/Adama Umar Isa
journal/Dundaye JOHS, December 2025
