Background of the Study
Computational linguistics offers innovative methods for documenting and analyzing languages, particularly those with rich oral traditions. In Benue State, Tiv oral traditions—encompassing folktales, proverbs, and historical narratives—form a core component of cultural identity. Recently, computational approaches such as automated transcription, text mining, and semantic analysis have been applied to capture and preserve these oral forms (Okoro, 2023). By leveraging speech recognition and natural language processing, researchers can digitize extensive audio archives, thus providing a permanent record of Tiv heritage. The integration of computational tools aids in uncovering patterns, narrative structures, and linguistic variations that were previously difficult to analyze manually. Furthermore, these technologies facilitate cross-generational transmission of knowledge, ensuring that valuable oral traditions are accessible to future generations (Ifeanyi, 2024). However, the unique phonetic and rhythmic patterns of Tiv pose challenges to standard algorithms. Advances in machine learning tailored to under-resourced languages have started to address these issues, though further refinements are needed (Adamu, 2025). The use of computational linguistics not only enriches academic understanding but also empowers community-based efforts in cultural preservation. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of these tools in documenting Tiv oral traditions and to propose improvements that accommodate the language’s specific characteristics.
Statement of the Problem
Traditional documentation of Tiv oral traditions is often labor-intensive and limited in scope, risking the loss of cultural heritage. Despite promising advances in computational linguistics, existing models struggle with the tonal and rhythmic complexities of Tiv language, resulting in incomplete transcriptions and analyses (Okoro, 2023; Ifeanyi, 2024). This gap hampers efforts to preserve the full richness of Tiv oral narratives, as important linguistic nuances may be lost or misinterpreted. Consequently, there is an urgent need to adapt computational methods to better handle the distinctive features of Tiv speech and enhance documentation accuracy.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it bridges computational linguistics and cultural preservation by addressing the challenges of documenting Tiv oral traditions. The findings will aid linguists, technologists, and community leaders in developing tailored solutions that enhance the preservation of Tiv heritage, ensuring that its rich oral legacy is accurately recorded and accessible for future generations.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the application of computational linguistics in documenting Tiv oral traditions in Benue State. It does not cover other forms of cultural documentation or additional languages.
Definitions of Terms
Chapter One: Introduction
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