A Study on the Effect of Linguistic Borrowing on Nigerian Phonetics: A Case Study of Loanwords in Nigerian English
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Nigerian English, as a product of cultural and linguistic diversity, incorporates numerous loanwords from indigenous languages, Arabic, and colonial influences. This study investigates how linguistic borrowing affects the phonetics of Nigerian English, focusing on the pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns of loanwords (Afolabi, 2023). Loanwords often undergo phonetic adaptation to conform to the phonological system of Nigerian English, resulting in variations that reflect local accents and pronunciation norms. The research examines a corpus of loanwords used in everyday speech and media, analyzing the systematic changes in vowel quality, consonantal clusters, and rhythmic patterns. It also considers the role of language contact and cultural exchange in driving these adaptations (Ibrahim, 2025). By comparing borrowed terms with their original forms, the study seeks to identify patterns of phonetic convergence and divergence. The findings will contribute to understanding the dynamic interplay between language contact and phonetic change in a multilingual society, highlighting the evolving nature of Nigerian English (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the prevalence of loanwords in Nigerian English, there is limited research on the phonetic adaptations that these borrowed terms undergo. The lack of systematic analysis impedes our understanding of how linguistic borrowing influences pronunciation and may contribute to communication challenges or misperceptions (Afolabi, 2023). Additionally, variations in the phonetic realization of loanwords across different regions and social groups remain underexplored. This gap limits insights into the broader impact of language contact on phonetic evolution in Nigerian English (Ibrahim, 2025). This study seeks to address these issues by providing a detailed examination of the phonetic changes in loanwords, thereby contributing to linguistic theory and practical language education (Chinwe, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
-
To document phonetic variations in loanwords used in Nigerian English.
-
To analyze the processes of phonetic adaptation in borrowed terms.
-
To assess the implications of these adaptations for communication and language teaching.
Research Questions:
-
How are loanwords phonologically adapted in Nigerian English?
-
What are the common phonetic changes observed in these loanwords?
-
How do these adaptations affect clarity and communication?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it examines the effect of linguistic borrowing on the phonetics of Nigerian English, offering insights into language contact phenomena. The findings will inform educators, linguists, and communication specialists about how loanwords are adapted, helping to refine pronunciation models and language teaching methodologies (Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study focuses exclusively on loanwords in Nigerian English and does not cover other aspects of language contact or phonetic influences from different sources.
Definitions of Terms:
-
Linguistic Borrowing: The adoption of words from one language into another.
-
Phonetic Adaptation: The process by which borrowed words are modified to fit the phonological system of a language.
-
Loanwords: Words borrowed from one language and incorporated into another.
Related Project Materials
IPSAS and Its Impact on Financial Sustainability in Nigeria's Public Sector
Background of the Study
Financial sustainability in the public sector is critical for ensuring efficien...
The impact of ATM performance monitoring on reducing service downtimes in banking: a case study of AB Microfinance Bank
Background of the Study
ATMs are a crucial component of banking service delivery, providing customers with...
An examination of neural network approaches to speech recognition in Igbo language
Background of the Study
Neural network models have revolutionized the field of speech recognition by enabl...
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION (UBE) IMPLEMENTATION IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
ABSTRACT
This study was designed to investigate the perceived problems and prospects of Universal Basic Education UBE implementation in J...
INFLUENCE OF GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND (GEF) ON YOUTH ECONOMIC INCLUSION
ABSTRACT
This research work was designed to determine the influence of graduate entrepreneurship fund (...
The Effect of Burnout on the Efficiency of Emergency Nurses at University of Benin Teaching Hospital
Background of the Study
Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonaliz...
DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTERISED RESTURANT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM CASE STUDY JEVENIKS RESTURANT ENUGU STATE
ABSTRACT
This project work is primarily designed to give an insight to computer based restaurant management information system. It is as...
Design of AI-Based Student Course Load Balancing Systems in Kano State Polytechnic, Kano State
Background of the Study
Course load balancing is an essential aspect of academic planning in higher education institutions, particularly...
THE USEFULNESS OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF COMPANIES AND IN GUIDING INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Abstract
This study intended to investigate the usefulness of financial statement in assessing the performance of compan...
A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF J.J ROUSSEAU's CONCEPT OF EDUCATION
-
- STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Before one delves into Rousseau’s child-ce...
