An examination of fricative articulation in Yoruba speech in Ilorin
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Background of the study
Fricatives are a critical class of consonants produced by forcing air through narrow constrictions. In Yoruba speech as spoken in Ilorin, fricative sounds exhibit distinctive articulatory features that contribute to regional accent and intelligibility (Adeleke, 2023). This study examines how Yoruba speakers articulate fricatives, focusing on acoustic parameters such as spectral noise, intensity, and duration. The articulatory setting is influenced by the native phonetic system, which may lead to variations compared to standard models of fricative production. Detailed acoustic and articulatory analyses are employed to capture these nuances, providing insight into both physiological and sociolinguistic influences on sound production. Prior studies suggest that regional dialects, speech rate, and sociocultural factors shape fricative production in Yoruba (Okafor, 2024). By documenting these characteristics in Ilorin, the research aims to enhance phonetic theory, inform accent training in language education, and contribute to speech recognition system development (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the importance of fricative sounds in defining Yoruba phonology, there is limited research detailing their articulatory and acoustic characteristics in Ilorin. Variability in fricative production may lead to reduced clarity in both casual and formal communication, challenging language learners and speech technology developers. The lack of region-specific data impedes the development of effective pronunciation training tools and accurate speech recognition models (Adeleke, 2023). This study aims to systematically examine the fricative articulation in Yoruba speech to address these gaps and provide a basis for improving pedagogical strategies and technological applications.
Objectives of the study:
- To document the acoustic properties of Yoruba fricatives in Ilorin.
- To analyze articulatory variations among speakers.
- To propose recommendations for language teaching and speech technology.
Research questions:
- What are the key acoustic characteristics of Yoruba fricatives in Ilorin?
- How do articulatory features vary among different speakers?
- What strategies can improve the clarity of fricative articulation in teaching?
Research hypotheses:
- Yoruba fricatives in Ilorin exhibit unique acoustic features compared to standard models.
- Speaker variability significantly affects fricative articulation.
- Targeted training can improve fricative clarity.
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it deepens our understanding of fricative articulation in Yoruba, offering practical insights for language educators and developers of speech recognition systems. The findings will support the development of region-specific training materials and enhance communication effectiveness (Adeleke, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to analyzing fricative articulation among Yoruba speakers in Ilorin, using a sample of selected individuals.
Definitions of terms:
- Fricatives: Consonant sounds produced by turbulent airflow through a narrow constriction.
- Articulatory Features: Physical movements and positions of speech organs during sound production.
- Spectral Noise: The distribution of energy across frequencies in a fricative sound.
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