Difficulty in Identifying the Adjectival Noun "Izina Ntera" in Kinyarwanda Sentences

Abstract

Kinyarwanda grammar, particularly its parts of speech, includes modifiers of nouns among which "Adjectival noun (Izina ntera)" plays a crucial role. This category, a combination of a noun and an adjective of quality, has been a source of confusion among students due to ambiguous explanations by Kinyarwanda grammarians. Two distinct structures have been adopted for this grammatical category; however, the confirmed structure does not fully meet the necessary criteria, while the appropriate structure has not been widely accepted. This study addresses the discrepancies surrounding the "izina ntera" category in secondary schools and proposes a clearer explanation for its definition in Kinyarwanda grammar. Employing a mixed-method approach blending qualitative and quantitative methods, and drawing on critical and structuralism theories, the research involved 58 upper-level secondary school students and 30 Kinyarwanda teachers purposively selected from three schools in Gicumbi district. Data collection utilized both hard and soft questionnaires, and analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The research proposed an updated definition of Kinyarwanda adjectival noun, supplemented with examples, to alleviate ambiguity in its usage and enhance student understanding of this grammatical category. The findings indicate that current textbooks perpetuate confusion by presenting conflicting definitions and structures for "izina ntera." Recommendations include the standardization of educational materials to reflect a single structure, acceptance of the revised definition by grammarians and educators, and the organization of seminars and training to facilitate the adoption of these changes. Continued research on Kinyarwanda grammar is encouraged to further refine and innovate the teaching of parts of speech.