Conditional Constructions in the Kenyang Language
Mbu Martha Njui
Department Of English Language and Literature of English Expressions
Higher Teachers Training College
University of Maroua P.O BOX 46
Email: mbumatha80@yahoo.fr
Abstract
Conditional sentences are statements discussing known factors or hypothetical situations and their consequences. Complete conditionals sentences contain a conditional clause (often referred to as the if-clause) and the consequence. In this article we have discussed the conditional constructions in the kenyang language. Kenyang belong to the Bantu languages in which tense distinctions are made. Automatically every grammatical sentence in Kenyang is marked for tense. This is contrary to some African languages including some other Bantu languages in which aspectual distinctions are made in some sentences where no over tense makers are present. This paper is therefore out to present conditional construction in the kenyang language. It also serves as an introduction to the special issues of structures in African linguistics devoted to conditional constructions in Kenyang. We have first of all presented generalities of conditional constructions, noting the various kinds of conditionals, meanings and types of adverbial conditional clauses in the language under study. We also discussed the relationship between conditionality and causation.
Keywords: conditional construction, kenyang language, counter-facts, irrealis.
