Unveiling Polysemy without Ambiguity: A Semantic Analysis of Lexical Items in the Umumba Ndiagu Dialect of Igbo Language

Abstract

This paper delves into the intricate phenomenon of polysemy within the Umumba Ndiagu dialect, a lesser-explored linguistic variant and a sub-dialect of the Igbo language spoken in Enugu State, in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. Polysemy, the coexistence of multiple meanings within a single word, presents a challenging yet fascinating area of study in linguistics. Through a comprehensive semantic analysis, this paper aims to ascertain whether polysemy exist in the Umumba Ndiagu dialect of Igbo without ambiguity by uncovering the extent and nature of polysemy in this dialect. The research employs qualitative method to identify and analyse polysemous lexemes within the Umumba Ndiagu dialect. Utilising data collected through native speaker interviews, the study establishes a semantic inventory of polysemous words and investigates the various senses these words evoke. The Wittgenstein's Use Theory of Meaning, propounded in 1933, which states that "the meaning of an expression is a matter of the way this expression is put to use by its competent users", was used as the theoretical framework of the study to analyse the lexical items found in the dialect. Findings indicate, among others that polysemy can exist in the Umumba Ndiagu dialect of the Igbo language without ambiguity with the aid of use and context. The study recommends taking into account local linguistic phenomena in their cultural and cognitive contexts in order to enhance comprehension. The study serves as a stepping stone for further exploration of polysemy in other dialects and languages, in other to foster a deeper appreciation of the diverse and multifaceted nature of human communication. This will contribute to the expansion of the Igbo lexicon and provide valuable support to lexicographers working on creating a comprehensive Igbo dictionary.