Background of the study
Nigerian English, as used by urban professionals in Lagos, is undergoing rapid phonological change due to socio-cultural and technological influences. This variety of English exhibits features that reflect both global communication trends and local linguistic traditions (Okeke, 2023). Urban professionals are increasingly exposed to diverse accents through media, migration, and digital communication, leading to shifts in pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns. These phonological changes may include vowel shifts, consonant modifications, and alterations in prosody that differentiate contemporary Nigerian English from traditional forms (Ibrahim, 2024). This study appraises these changes by collecting speech samples from professionals in various industries. Acoustic analysis is used to measure phonetic parameters, while sociolinguistic surveys capture attitudes toward evolving speech patterns. The research aims to identify the key drivers of phonological change and assess their implications for professional communication and language teaching. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to our understanding of linguistic evolution in response to globalization and urbanization.
Statement of the problem
Despite noticeable phonological changes in Nigerian English, there is limited systematic research on how urban professionals in Lagos adapt their speech. Variability in pronunciation may lead to communication challenges in professional contexts and affect perceptions of linguistic competence (Adeniyi, 2023). The lack of empirical data on phonological change hinders the development of effective language training and speech technology tailored to Nigerian English. This study seeks to fill this gap by evaluating acoustic data and sociolinguistic factors that drive phonological evolution among urban professionals.
Objectives of the study:
Research questions:
Research hypotheses:
Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it appraises phonological change in Nigerian English among urban professionals, providing insights critical for educators, employers, and speech technologists. The findings will guide language training and policy development in Lagos, promoting effective professional communication (Okeke, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to urban professionals in Lagos, focusing on acoustic and sociolinguistic analyses of Nigerian English.
Definitions of terms:
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