One of the features that help determine the truth about existence is having a name. Having a name makes a phenomenon a reality. That is why in elementary grammar class, learners are taught that “Noun is a naming word.” Like me, many of my readers can, at the spur of the moment, define a noun as a “name of any person, animal, place or thing.” We later learnt that a noun can also name a state of an activity, an action or an idea. Although many scholars have demonstrated that the traditional definition of the concept is inadequate, it was fundamental to our understanding of grammar during our formative years. It is still helpful today.
Beyond definition, nouns perform several functions. In line with the thesis of this article, the functions are considered from two perspectives: grammatical and sociolinguistic functions. The following are the grammatical functions of a noun:
1. Subject of the Verb
A noun usually functions as the subject of the verb when it comes before the main verb of the sentence.
Example: Nigerians face growing visa hurdles.
“Nigerians” functions as the subject of the verb “face”.
2. Object of the Verb
A noun functions as the object of the verb when it comes after the verb in a sentence. It receives the action of the main verb in the sentence.
Example: Davido praises John.
“John” functions as the object of the verb “praises”.
3. Complement of the Subject
A noun functions as the complement of the subject when it comes after a linking verb or state-of-being verb. Examples of linking verbs include be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been, seem, become, feel, sound, appear and smell.
Example: My students are girls.
“girls” functions as a complement of the subject “My students”.
4. Complement of the Object
This comes after the object.
Example: They call him Mumu.
“Mumu” functions as a complement of the object, “him”.
5. Object of the Preposition
In this case, the noun comes after a preposition in the sentence. Therefore, any noun that comes immediately after a preposition is the object of that preposition. Prepositions include to, on, at, with, and for.
Example: We believe in God.
“God” functions as the object of the preposition “in”.
6. Apposition to the Subject
This occurs when a noun is put next to the subject to explain the subject.
Example: Our class captain, John, has gone home.
“John” functions as apposition to the subject, “Our class captain”.
7. Apposition to the Object
A noun functions as an apposition to the object when it is put next to the object to explain the object.
Example: I saw the great actor, Ogogo.
“Ogogo” functions as apposition to the object, “the great actor”.
Names under the grammatical functions of nouns have enjoyed regular attention over the years. They are taught in schools, and those who use them usually keep to the rules, as failing to keep to the rules suggests incompetence. However, the sociolinguistic importance of name is waning even though our names are meant to be a tool for behavioural control. In a Yoruba sociocultural context, orúkọ ọmọ ni ìjánu ọmọ (an individual’s name is his/her anchor). Being conscious of one’s name can limit the possibilities of image-damaging experiences. Remember, a good name is better than silver and gold. Names will eventually outlive those who bear them. Pursuing materialism at the expense of good names is, therefore, not worth it. It has been a major factor contributing to the erosion of acceptable social behaviour in our society.
Lateef Iyanda Kugbayi, PhD
Senior Lecturer
Department of English Language
Zamfara State University
Talata Mafara
07032985052; [email protected]
