A Study on the Effect of Linguistic Borrowing on Nigerian Phonetics: A Case Study of Loanwords in Nigerian English
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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:
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To document phonetic variations in loanwords used in Nigerian English.
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To analyze the processes of phonetic adaptation in borrowed terms.
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To assess the implications of these adaptations for communication and language teaching.
Research Questions:
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How are loanwords phonologically adapted in Nigerian English?
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What are the common phonetic changes observed in these loanwords?
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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:
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Linguistic Borrowing: The adoption of words from one language into another.
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Phonetic Adaptation: The process by which borrowed words are modified to fit the phonological system of a language.
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Loanwords: Words borrowed from one language and incorporated into another.
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