Predicational copular clauses in Igbo

This paper examines binominal predicational copular clauses (PCCs) in Igbo, a Benue-Congo language, which exhibits a distinction between two copulas, bụ́ and dị́. By exploring the syntactic and interpretational behaviour of these constructions, the paper proposes that Igbo PCCs provide evidence for two types of small clauses: nominal and prepositional. A three-way semantic classification of PCCs—defining, characterizing, and situation-descriptive—is adapted from Roy (2013) and applied to Igbo, showcasing its alignment with broader typological patterns and theoretical implications. The paper argues that bụ́ corresponds to defining clauses, while dị́ spans both characterizing and situation-descriptive interpretations, marked by a silent prepositional head.