An investigation of glottal stop usage in Nigerian Pidgin: A study at Niger Delta radio
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Background of the study
Glottal stops, produced by momentarily closing the vocal folds, are an important phonetic feature in many languages. In Nigerian Pidgin, especially as used in radio broadcasts in the Niger Delta, glottal stops serve as both phonemic markers and stylistic devices (Umeh, 2023). This investigation explores how Nigerian Pidgin speakers incorporate glottal stops into their speech, focusing on acoustic properties such as duration and intensity. Radio broadcasts provide a controlled yet naturalistic setting for analyzing glottal stop usage, offering insights into its role in signaling emphasis, emotion, and segmentation in speech (Afolabi, 2024). The study employs acoustic analysis and perceptual tests to assess the frequency and functional load of glottal stops, comparing them across different broadcasters and program types. Understanding these patterns is essential for enhancing speech recognition systems and refining language teaching methodologies for Nigerian Pidgin (Okeke, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Although glottal stops are a distinctive feature of Nigerian Pidgin, there is limited empirical research on their functional role in radio communication. Variability in glottal stop usage may impact message clarity and listener comprehension, yet existing studies have not adequately addressed these aspects (Umeh, 2023). The absence of detailed acoustic data on glottal stop implementation in broadcast speech hinders the development of effective speech synthesis and language training tools. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically examining glottal stop usage in Niger Delta radio broadcasts, thereby improving our understanding of its phonetic and communicative functions.
Objectives of the study:
- To document the acoustic properties of glottal stops in Nigerian Pidgin.
- To analyze usage patterns in Niger Delta radio broadcasts.
- To assess the impact on speech clarity and listener comprehension.
Research questions:
- What are the acoustic characteristics of glottal stops in Nigerian Pidgin?
- How frequently are glottal stops used in radio broadcasts?
- What is their effect on listener comprehension?
Research hypotheses:
- Glottal stops are used systematically in Nigerian Pidgin broadcasts.
- Variability in glottal stop usage affects speech clarity.
- Standardizing glottal stop usage can enhance communication.
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it provides a detailed examination of glottal stop usage in Nigerian Pidgin, offering critical data for improving speech technologies and language teaching. The findings will benefit broadcasters and linguists by enhancing our understanding of this phonetic feature in a practical context (Afolabi, 2024).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to investigating glottal stop usage in Nigerian Pidgin as broadcast on Niger Delta radio, focusing on acoustic measurements and perceptual outcomes.
Definitions of terms:
- Glottal Stop: A consonantal sound produced by a brief closure of the vocal folds.
- Nigerian Pidgin: An English-based creole used widely in informal Nigerian communication.
- Acoustic Analysis: The process of measuring and analyzing sound properties.
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