An examination of vowel reduction in urban Nigerian speech in Port Harcourt
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Background of the study
Vowel reduction, a process in which vowels are articulated with less clarity and duration, is common in fast-paced, informal speech. In urban Nigerian speech, particularly in Port Harcourt, vowel reduction is a notable feature that reflects the influence of rapid communication and linguistic convergence (Eze, 2023). This study examines vowel reduction patterns in Port Harcourt, focusing on acoustic parameters such as duration, formant frequencies, and intensity. Urban speech tends to exhibit more reduced vowels due to factors like increased speech rate and the mixing of linguistic influences from indigenous languages and Nigerian Pidgin (Ibrahim, 2024). Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing accurate models for speech recognition and for designing effective language teaching strategies that account for natural variation in vowel articulation. By analyzing recordings from diverse speakers in Port Harcourt, the study aims to provide a comprehensive account of vowel reduction phenomena and assess their impact on overall speech intelligibility (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite its prevalence, vowel reduction in urban Nigerian speech remains under-documented, particularly in Port Harcourt. This reduction can lead to diminished vowel clarity, potentially affecting listener comprehension and communication effectiveness (Okeke, 2023). The scarcity of detailed acoustic data on vowel reduction hampers the development of effective pronunciation training programs and speech recognition algorithms. This study addresses the need for systematic analysis by examining the acoustic properties of reduced vowels and evaluating their impact on speech intelligibility, thereby contributing to improved language teaching and technology development.
Objectives of the study:
- To analyze the extent of vowel reduction in Port Harcourt speech.
- To measure the acoustic properties associated with reduced vowels.
- To assess the impact of vowel reduction on speech intelligibility.
Research questions:
- What are the typical patterns of vowel reduction in Port Harcourt?
- How do acoustic properties differ between reduced and non-reduced vowels?
- What effect does vowel reduction have on speech clarity?
Research hypotheses:
- Vowel reduction is a significant feature of urban Nigerian speech in Port Harcourt.
- Reduced vowels exhibit measurable acoustic differences compared to non-reduced vowels.
- Vowel reduction negatively affects overall speech intelligibility.
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it provides an in-depth examination of vowel reduction in urban Nigerian speech, contributing valuable data to sociophonetics and language technology. The findings will inform the development of better speech recognition systems and pronunciation training methods, enhancing communication in urban contexts (Eze, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to examining vowel reduction in urban Nigerian speech in Port Harcourt, focusing on acoustic measurements and perceptual impacts.
Definitions of terms:
- Vowel Reduction: The process of articulating vowels with decreased clarity and duration.
- Urban Nigerian Speech: Informal speech patterns common in Nigerian cities.
- Acoustic Analysis: The study and measurement of sound properties.
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