A Constraint- based Analysis of the Interference of Ìgbò Sound System on English Sounds

Abstract

Ìgbò as one of the three major languages in Nigeria interact on English sounds due to the official use in Nigeria. Ìgbò speakers of English substitute English sounds that are not present in their language with those sounds that are convenient for them in their speech. The aim of this paper is to examine the influence of Ìgbò sound system on English pronunciation among Ìgbò speakers of English. The objectives of this study are to: show the motive for such influence; identify the impact of Ìgbò segmental and supra-segmental features on English; and state the environment of such influence. Hence, this paper examines the substitution of some English sounds to Ìgbò sounds within the optimality theory. Data for this study were collected from 50 Ìgbò natives selected from Ilorin, Kwara State through random sampling technique. This study found out that Ìgbò sounds influence the pronunciation of English sounds based on the nature of their segments and supra-segment which leads to substitution and simplification. Nonetheless, this paper concluded that substitution and simplification of English sounds by Ìgbò natives do not make their realization of English unintelligible; rather, we see it as a variant of Nigerian variety of English. However, this study proposed that, Ìgbò natives speak an indigenized variant form of English which can be referred to as one of the NIGERIAN ENGLISH.