Background of the study
Yoruba, a major Nigerian language known for its distinct phonological characteristics, exhibits unique consonantal patterns that pose both challenges and opportunities for modern speech recognition technology. The intricate articulation of consonants in Yoruba, including variations in plosives and fricatives, influences pronunciation and intelligibility. As Nigeria increasingly adopts voice-activated and automated communication systems, the accurate recognition of Yoruba consonantal sounds becomes imperative (Ogunleye, 2023). This study examines the consonantal patterns in Yoruba and assesses their implications for developing and refining speech recognition software. By analyzing recorded speech data from diverse Yoruba speakers, the research aims to identify key phonetic features and their variations. The findings will inform technological improvements, enabling more accurate and culturally responsive speech recognition systems that cater to Nigeria’s multilingual population (Babatunde, 2024; Adeyemi, 2025). This investigation integrates phonetic analysis with computational linguistics, contributing to both academic research and practical applications in technology design.
Statement of the problem
Despite advances in speech recognition technology, current systems often fail to accurately process Yoruba due to its complex consonantal patterns. Inadequate representation of these phonetic nuances in automated systems leads to errors in transcription and voice command interpretation (Ogunleye, 2023). The lack of targeted research on Yoruba consonantal variations hampers the development of effective technological solutions, limiting the accessibility and usability of voice-activated systems for Yoruba speakers. This study addresses the need for a detailed phonetic analysis to inform improvements in speech recognition algorithms, ensuring that technology is both linguistically accurate and culturally inclusive (Babatunde, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
1. To document the consonantal patterns in Yoruba speech.
2. To evaluate their impact on speech recognition accuracy.
3. To recommend enhancements for technology adaptation.
Research questions:
1. What are the key consonantal features in Yoruba?
2. How do these features affect speech recognition performance?
3. What modifications can improve algorithm accuracy?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it bridges the gap between phonetic research and speech technology development, ensuring that Yoruba’s unique consonantal patterns are effectively integrated into voice recognition systems. The insights will aid engineers, linguists, and developers in creating more accurate and culturally adaptive technologies (Adeyemi, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study focuses exclusively on consonantal patterns in Yoruba and their impact on speech recognition technology. It does not consider other phonetic elements or languages.
Definitions of terms:
1. Consonantal Patterns: The systematic arrangement and variation of consonant sounds in a language.
2. Speech Recognition Technology: Computer systems designed to interpret and process human speech.
3. Yoruba: A major Nigerian language characterized by its tonal and phonological features.
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