THE PHONOLOGICAL PROCESSES OF ASSIMILATION IN OKIJA IGBO SPEECH VARIETY

Authors

  • Ngozi Clara Chinwuba Dept. of Igbo, African & Communication Studies Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
  • George E. Onwudiwe Dept. of Igbo, African & Communication Studies Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Abstract

This work is a study of assimilation processes in Okija Igbo speech variety. Assimilation is a sound change in which some phonemes (typically consonants or vowels) change to become more similar to other nearby sounds. In some cases, assimilation causes the sound spoken to differ from the normal pronunciation in isolation. The major types of assimilation are progressive, regressive and coalescent assimilations. Many researchers have written more on other types of assimilation in Okija dialect but have not recognized regressive assimilation in Okija dialect hence, this research. The researcher uses Optimality theory (henceforth OT), in analyzing the data. The collected data were analyzed using survey design which conforms to the standard procedures in the study of dialect. The study covers the four regional linguistic areas which our data were drawn from sixteen resource persons four from each area. Okija dialect of Igbo is spoken in Okija, which is one of the five communities that make up Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The dialect is spoken by a population of about 157, 785 (1991 census). The researcher finds out that the regressive assimilation process was more prominent in the Okija variety of Igbo than progressive and coalescent assimilations. It also facilitates the task of speaking because the speaker usually tries to conserve energy by using no more effort than is necessary to produce an utterance. This research will be of a great significance because it will enable scholars know the prominent assimilation process that are obtainable in Okija dialect. It will also pave way for better understanding of regressive assimilation.

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Published

2024-07-05