Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project delves into a feature-driven analysis of labialization and palatalization as phonological processes in Hausa, a Chadic language spoken mainly in parts of West Africa. Labialization and palatalization are common phonological processes in many languages, including Hausa, and they involve the modification of consonants through the influence of adjacent vowels or consonants. The study aims to investigate the specific features that trigger labialization and palatalization in Hausa phonology. By examining a corpus of Hausa words and analyzing their phonological properties, the research seeks to identify the underlying patterns and rules governing these processes. This analysis will provide valuable insights into the phonological structure of Hausa and contribute to our understanding of how sounds are articulated and perceived in this language. Furthermore, the project will explore the implications of labialization and palatalization for morphological processes in Hausa. These phonological phenomena may have significant effects on word formation and inflection in the language, influencing the way morphemes are combined and pronounced. By investigating the interaction between labialization, palatalization, and morphology, this research aims to uncover the intricate relationship between phonology and morphology in Hausa. In addition, the study will investigate the distribution of labialized and palatalized sounds in the phonological system of Hausa. By examining the frequency and distribution of these sounds across different phonological contexts, the research aims to identify any phonotactic constraints or preferences that govern their occurrence. This analysis will shed light on the phonotactic patterns of Hausa and contribute to our understanding of the constraints that shape the phonological system of the language. Overall, this research project offers a comprehensive analysis of labialization and palatalization as phonological processes in Hausa. By exploring the features that trigger these processes, investigating their implications for morphology, and examining their distribution within the phonological system, the study aims to deepen our understanding of the phonological structure of Hausa and contribute to the broader field of phonological theory.

Project Overview

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

This research work would be carried-out in one of the four (4) major areas of linguistics (phonology). Phonology is the systematic study of sounds system of a language. However, the research work does not include all aspects of phonology rather it will be restricted to two important phonological processes in Hausa language: Labialization and Palatalization which are secondary articulations in Hausa language. Dustan, E (1996).

It is obvious that Hausa is the most widely spoken language among its different users in northern part of the country among different dialects such as Kananci, Sakkwatanci, Katsinanci, Kabanci, Zamfaranci, and the like. Dustan, E (1996).

Mu’azu (2005), sees labialization as a secondary articulation in which lip rounding is added to a non-labial sound as in the case of articulation of /kw/, /Æ™w/, and /gw/ consonants which are specifically referred to as labialized velars. Palatalisation is a verbal noun derived from the verb to “palatalized” means to add a palatal articulation (raise the front of the tongue towards the hard palate) to a non-palatal consonant under certain conditions. Palatalization is also a secondary articulation; there may be modification which adds an in colouring to the sound. The question now is, what are the kinds of consonants and under what conditions are they palatalized? Generally speaking, consonants that are commonly palatalized in Hausa under particular circumstances are twofold, namely the alveolars /s/, /t/, /d/ and /z/, and the velars /w/, /k/, /Æ™/, and /g/. Sani M. A. Z. (2005).

1.1 STATEMENT     OF THE PROBLEM

Hausa language is spoken in Nigeria particularly in the Northern region of the country since time immemorial. It is no doubt, the most widely spoken language in Nigeria. In particular the language is spoken as L1 in many states of the Northern Nigeria which include: Kano, Katsina, Daura, Zamfara, Kebbi and etc. This study examines two (2) phonological processes: (labialization and palatalization) in Hausa language. It is part of the study to identify the nature and conditions for each of them in Hausa language.