Background of the study
Voice onset time (VOT) measures the interval between the release of a stop consonant and the onset of vocal fold vibration. In Hausa speech in Kano, VOT is a critical feature distinguishing between voiced and voiceless stops. Hausa, with its rich phonetic diversity, offers a unique context where VOT variations contribute to phonemic contrasts and affect intelligibility. Recent technological advancements have enabled precise acoustic measurements, yet limited studies have focused on Hausa VOT in Kano (Muhammad, 2023). Investigating VOT can provide insights into how age, gender, and social factors influence speech production. The study utilizes acoustic analysis to compare VOT values across different speaker groups in Kano, examining how these variations contribute to overall speech clarity and communication efficiency (Ibrahim, 2024). Such research is essential for improving speech recognition technologies and informing language teaching practices in Hausa-dominant environments.
Statement of the problem
Despite its importance, research on voice onset time in Hausa speech remains sparse, particularly in the culturally significant context of Kano. Variations in VOT, if not well understood, may lead to challenges in speech processing and language instruction. Inconsistencies in VOT can hinder accurate phoneme recognition and affect communication clarity, yet systematic data on Hausa VOT is limited (Adebayo, 2023). This gap in knowledge restricts the development of robust speech recognition systems and effective teaching methodologies tailored to Hausa. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing language technology and improving pronunciation training for native Hausa speakers.
Objectives of the study:
Research questions:
Research hypotheses:
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it evaluates voice onset time in Hausa speech, offering valuable data for phonetic research and practical applications in language teaching and speech technology. The findings will support the development of improved speech recognition systems and effective pronunciation training for Hausa speakers (Muhammad, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to analyzing voice onset time in Hausa speech in Kano, focusing on acoustic measurements and demographic comparisons.
Definitions of terms:
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