Background of the Study
Urban accents in Nigeria, particularly those found in Lagos, exhibit rich phonetic diversity reflective of the city’s multicultural vibrancy. This study appraises phonetic distinctiveness in urban accents by analyzing street interviews conducted in Lagos. Nigerian urban speech is characterized by unique features such as varied intonation patterns, stress distribution, and pronunciation modifications that differentiate regional accents (Uche, 2023). Lagos, as a melting pot of cultures, provides an ideal setting for examining these phonetic nuances. The research explores how factors like social class, education, and ethnic background influence the distinctiveness of urban speech. It employs acoustic analysis and sociolinguistic interviews to document key phonetic features and assess their role in identity formation and social integration (Adebayo, 2024). The study also investigates the impact of media and globalization on these phonetic traits, contributing to our understanding of language change in dynamic urban environments (Chinwe, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of urban accents in reflecting cultural diversity, there is limited research on the phonetic distinctiveness of Lagos street speech. Variations in pronunciation and intonation, while rich in cultural significance, are often undocumented, leading to a gap in understanding their social functions (Uche, 2023). This research gap hinders the development of effective language preservation strategies and affects how urban identities are represented in media and education (Adebayo, 2024). Without systematic documentation, it remains challenging to appreciate the full linguistic diversity of Nigerian urban speech. This study seeks to fill these gaps by analyzing street interviews and providing an in-depth examination of phonetic distinctiveness in Lagos (Chinwe, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
To identify key phonetic features that distinguish Lagos urban accents.
To analyze the social and cultural factors influencing these phonetic traits.
To propose strategies for preserving urban phonetic diversity.
Research Questions:
What are the dominant phonetic features in Lagos urban speech?
How do social factors affect phonetic distinctiveness?
What measures can preserve urban accent diversity?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it examines the phonetic distinctiveness of Nigerian urban accents, providing valuable insights into the interplay between language and identity in Lagos. The findings will inform sociolinguistic research, media representation, and educational initiatives aimed at preserving urban linguistic diversity (Chinwe, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to street interviews conducted in Lagos and does not extend to other Nigerian cities or formal speech contexts.
Definitions of Terms:
Phonetic Distinctiveness: Unique features of pronunciation that differentiate accents.
Urban Accents: Variants of language spoken in city environments.
Street Interviews: Informal conversations conducted in public spaces.
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