A Study on the Effect of Multilingualism on Nigerian Phonetic Variation: A Case Study of Lagos Street Interviews
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Background of the Study
Nigeria’s linguistic landscape is marked by significant multilingualism, particularly in urban centers like Lagos. This study investigates the effect of multilingualism on phonetic variation by analyzing street interviews conducted in Lagos. In a city where diverse ethnic groups interact daily, speakers often switch between languages or blend features from multiple languages, leading to distinctive phonetic patterns. Such variation is evident in pronunciation, intonation, and speech rhythm, which are influenced by the speaker’s first language as well as the linguistic environment (Okeke, 2023). Through detailed phonetic analysis of recorded street interviews, the study examines how multilingual speakers adapt their phonetic output in informal communication settings. The research aims to determine whether multilingualism leads to phonetic convergence or divergence, and how these changes affect overall intelligibility. Additionally, it will consider the impact of factors such as education and socio-economic background on phonetic variation. Understanding these dynamics is essential for the development of language policies and educational programs that acknowledge Nigeria’s complex linguistic reality. The findings are expected to contribute to the fields of sociophonetics and multilingual studies (Adebayo, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite Nigeria’s rich multilingual environment, there is limited research focusing on how multilingualism influences phonetic variation in everyday communication. Most existing studies emphasize monolingual speech patterns and do not capture the dynamic interplay of multiple languages in urban settings. This gap hinders our understanding of how speakers negotiate phonetic norms in multilingual contexts, potentially affecting communication clarity and social integration. Without systematic investigation, language planners and educators may struggle to develop strategies that address the phonetic challenges posed by multilingualism in urban areas such as Lagos (Okeke, 2023; Adebayo, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
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To document phonetic variations in street interviews in Lagos.
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To analyze the influence of multilingualism on these phonetic features.
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To assess the impact of such variations on communication clarity.
Research Questions
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What phonetic variations are observed in Lagos street interviews?
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How does multilingualism contribute to these variations?
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How do these phonetic changes affect listener comprehension?
Significance of the Study
This study offers critical insights into the effects of multilingualism on phonetic variation in Nigeria, informing educators, linguists, and policymakers. The findings will help develop language programs that embrace linguistic diversity and improve communication in urban settings (Okeke, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to Lagos street interviews and does not cover other urban or rural contexts.
Definitions of Terms
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Multilingualism: The use of multiple languages by an individual or community.
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Phonetic Variation: Differences in the production of speech sounds.
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Intonation: The variation in pitch during speech.
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