Comparative Assessment of Intonational Variations between Igbo-English and Ibibio-English Bilingual Speech among higher institution graduates in Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64348/zije.2026456Abstract
This study contrastively analyzed the use of intonation in the spoken English of Igbo-English and Ibibio-English bilinguals. The main objective of the study was to identify the differences and similarities in their assigning of Intonation in order to ascertain their levels of international intelligibility. As qualitative and quantitative research, the study favours a survey design. The study area consisted of Igbo and Ibibio speaking areas with the population comprising graduates from Nigerian higher institutions which represents the educated variety of Nigerian English. The sample size consisted of 182 educated Igbo and Ibibio English speakers selected through random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire of, words, phrases and sentences drafted and validated by English language scholars. A recording device was used to record the production of the respondents which was transferred to a computer for analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the Igbo-English and Ibibio-English vary greatly from the Standard English. The study, however, revealed that there are no significant differences in the pattern of assigning tunes in the spoken English of Igbo and Ibibio English bilinguals. This study recommended that Nigerian schools should procure and use instruments/devices that aid spoken English.
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