0704-883-0675     |      dataprojectng@gmail.com

An investigation of coarticulation effects in Nigerian indigenous languages among the Fulani

  • Project Research
  • 1-5 Chapters
  • Abstract : Available
  • Table of Content: Available
  • Reference Style:
  • Recommended for :
  • NGN 5000

Background of the study
Coarticulation refers to the phenomenon where the articulation of a phoneme is influenced by adjacent sounds, resulting in overlapping articulatory processes. In Nigerian indigenous languages spoken by the Fulani, coarticulation effects are particularly pronounced due to the complex interaction between tonal, consonantal, and vowel systems (Adebayo, 2023). This study investigates the extent and nature of coarticulation effects among Fulani speakers by analyzing speech recordings and measuring acoustic parameters such as formant transitions and duration. Understanding coarticulation is essential for delineating phonetic boundaries and for accurate speech synthesis. The research also explores how factors such as speech rate, emotional context, and bilingualism affect coarticulation patterns. Prior studies have indicated that coarticulation can both facilitate fluid speech production and lead to perceptual ambiguities (Ibrahim, 2024). By documenting these effects, the study aims to contribute to theoretical phonetics and provide practical insights for language instruction and automatic speech recognition systems tailored to indigenous languages.

Statement of the problem
Despite its importance, coarticulation in Fulani languages remains underexplored, and limited data exist on how adjacent phonemes influence each other. This gap hampers our understanding of speech production processes and affects the development of accurate linguistic models (Chinwe, 2023). The lack of systematic acoustic evidence on coarticulation may result in difficulties for speech technology developers and language instructors, particularly in designing tools that account for natural phonetic variability. This study addresses these issues by investigating coarticulation effects, thereby providing empirical data to enhance theoretical models and practical applications.

Objectives of the study:

  1. To document coarticulation effects in Fulani speech.
  2. To analyze acoustic markers of coarticulation.
  3. To propose applications for improved speech technology.

Research questions:

  1. What are the predominant coarticulation effects in Fulani languages?
  2. How do acoustic features reflect coarticulatory processes?
  3. How can these findings improve speech recognition?

Research hypotheses:

  1. Coarticulation effects are significant among Fulani speakers.
  2. Acoustic measures will reveal systematic coarticulatory patterns.
  3. Enhanced models can improve speech processing.

Significance of the study (100 words):
This study is significant as it investigates coarticulation in Fulani languages, contributing vital data for both phonetic theory and practical applications in language teaching and speech technology. The findings will support the development of more accurate automatic speech recognition systems and pedagogical strategies (Ibrahim, 2024).

Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to Fulani speakers and focuses on acoustic analysis of coarticulation effects in selected indigenous languages.

Definitions of terms:

  1. Coarticulation: The influence of adjacent sounds on the production of a phoneme.
  2. Acoustic Parameters: Measurable sound features such as formants and duration.
  3. Fulani: An ethnic group in Nigeria with distinct indigenous languages.




Related Project Materials

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND CHALLENGES OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF THE GOODLUCK JONATHAN ADMINISTRATION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The fundamental gains of economic development generally are manifested in the bettered and impro...

Read more
A Study of How HR Analytics Can Enhance Employee Engagement: A Study of Nestlé Nigeria in Kano State

Background of the Study

Employee engagement has become a central focus for organizations aiming to maximize productivity...

Read more
Exploring the Role of Media in Combatting Hate Speech in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State

Background of the Study

Hate speech, which involves speech that incites hatred, discrimination, or violence against indi...

Read more
A Correlational Study of Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients in Kano State

Background of the Study

Aging is associated with a decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, attention, and problem-solving abilit...

Read more
SOCIAL STATUS IN PLATO’S IDEAL STATE: ITS RELEVANCE TO NIGERIAN SOCIETY

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In any existing human society, irrespective of...

Read more
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS QUALIFICATION AND STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ENGLISH

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out on the relationship between teachers qualification and students academic perfo...

Read more
Enhancing Military Defense Systems Using Quantum Cryptography at Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja

Background of the Study

The security of military communications and defense systems is of paramount importance to nation...

Read more
An Investigation of Food Contamination Risks in School Feeding Programs in Zamfara State

Background of the Study

School feeding programs are vital for providing nutritious m...

Read more
Production of Wood Polymer Composite from African Copaiba Balsam (Daniella oliveri) Wood Dust : Effects of Wood Dust Particle Size Distribution and Content

ABSTRACT

This thesis explore the effects of wood dust particle size distribution and contents on the functional properties of wood plasti...

Read more
An Appraisal of Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice in Managing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Katsina State Hospitals

Background of the Study

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that affect t...

Read more
Share this page with your friends




whatsapp