International Journal of Language & Linguistics

Multifunctionality of the Schwa /Ə/ In the Məta Language of the North-West Region of Cameroon
FOKWA Ruth ENI-ENIH, TANGYIE EVANI, Annie Carelle DONJI TEUFACK, Nadege Ngala

Abstract
This paper investigates the function and distribution of the schwa /ə/ in Meta’, a Grass-fields Bantu language of the Momo subgroup (Cameroon). The schwa diagraph is a common sound in African languages. It is represented phonetically as the [ə] sound. In phonology, morphology and syntax of the Meta’ language, the schwa plays different functions and thus cannot be ignored. Its variational function has motivated us to carry out a dual morphological analysis in that; is the schwa a phoneme or a morpheme in the Meta’ language? Is it a lexical or phrasal particle? In this study, we argue and demonstrate that, the schwa is both a phoneme and a morpheme, and that, it is equally a lexical and phrasal particle that affects the nominal and verbal morpho-syntax of the Meta’ language invariably.

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