Function Words of Buol Language Examined from Syntactical Features

Abstract

To avoid not to receive the new words from loan words, the syntax of Buol language, especially its function words, must be investigated in details to keep the original structures of this language survive without being influenced by other vernaculars, and far from being extinction. In line with this information, this study portrays the function words of Buol language in terms of the function word varieties such as 1) noun clarifiers, 2) modifier, 3) prepositions, 4) coordinators, 5) interrogators, 6) subordinating conjunction, 7) sentence linkers, 8) modal auxiliaries, 9) interjection, 10) aspect words, and (11) relative pronouns. The importance of this study is required to create the narrative data of those varieties of function words, to provide information for those who are keen on conducting another study dealing with Buol language, to assist the teaching of local subject matter course, such as function words themselves of Buol language and to play a role to the Department of National Education, especially in Central Sulawesi for the consideration as development of the local subject matter course curriculum. The pattern of this inquiry is descriptive qualitative. It is founded on the process of scrutiny involving description and interpretation that can be exerted without controlling any variables. The informants of this study are ten native speakers of Buol language at Buol regency living permenantly in one of five districts called Biau district.