A Comparative Analysis of Phonetic Details in Nigerian Rural and Urban Speech: A Focus on Dialectal Differences
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Background of the Study
Nigeria’s linguistic landscape is highly diverse, with distinct phonetic patterns emerging in rural and urban settings. This study provides a comparative analysis of phonetic details in Nigerian speech, focusing on how dialectal differences manifest between rural and urban areas. Rural speech often retains traditional phonetic features such as unique vowel quality, consonant articulation, and intonation patterns that are rooted in local culture and history (Okoro, 2023). In contrast, urban speech is influenced by modernization, exposure to global media, and linguistic convergence, leading to modified pronunciation and a blend of indigenous and standard language forms (Ibrahim, 2024). By collecting and analyzing audio recordings from both rural and urban populations, this research aims to document key phonetic variations and explore the factors driving these differences. The study will assess how urbanization and cultural shifts affect phonetic consistency and the preservation of traditional dialectal features. The findings will contribute to sociolinguistic theory and inform language policy and education in Nigeria (Adebayo, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the clear differences in speech patterns between rural and urban areas in Nigeria, there is limited systematic research on phonetic variation across these contexts. Variations in pronunciation and intonation can lead to communication challenges and affect language identity (Okoro, 2023). The absence of comparative analyses hinders our understanding of how urbanization influences dialectal change and what measures might be needed to preserve traditional phonetic features in rural areas (Ibrahim, 2024; Adebayo, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
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To document phonetic characteristics in rural and urban Nigerian speech.
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To compare dialectal differences in pronunciation and intonation.
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To evaluate the impact of urbanization on phonetic variation.
Research Questions
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What are the key phonetic features in rural versus urban speech?
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How do these features differ between dialects?
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What factors contribute to these phonetic differences?
Significance of the Study
This study enhances our understanding of Nigerian dialectal diversity by comparing phonetic details in rural and urban settings. Its findings will inform language preservation and educational policies aimed at maintaining linguistic heritage amid rapid urbanization (Okoro, 2023; Ibrahim, 2024; Adebayo, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to rural and urban speech samples in Nigeria and does not extend to other regions or non-verbal communication.
Definitions of Terms
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Phonetic Details: Specific features of pronunciation and sound production.
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Dialectal Differences: Variations in language use among different regions or communities.
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Urbanization: The process by which rural areas develop into urban centers.
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