The Standard Wolof Morphology: A Descriptive Study of the Adjectives

This descriptive research paper analyzes the morphology of Wolof adjectives by distinguishing two main categories: free morphemes and bound morphemes. Wolof adjectives often function like state verbs and require class markers to form relative or qualifying constructions. These class markers structures vary across the same class-based patterns found in nouns and pronouns.Bound adjectival morphemes occur in attributive structures that express possession or relationships between nouns. Some forms also involve phonological adjustments like epenthesis. The research illustrates how attributive adjectives derive new meanings from nominal stems and how plural forms follow similar morphological rules. Thus, the study shows that Wolof adjective formation is deeply rooted in the language’s system of noun classes. It emphasizes that Wolof’s class-based grammar shapes the structure and meaning of all adjectival forms.