Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project investigates labialization and palatalization as phonological processes in Hausa, a Chadic language spoken predominantly in Nigeria and Niger. The study employs a feature-driven analysis to explore how these processes manifest in the phonological system of the language. Labialization involves the articulation of a non-labial sound with lip rounding, while palatalization refers to the articulation of a sound with the body of the tongue raised towards the hard palate. By examining these processes within the framework of distinctive features, this research aims to provide insights into the phonological patterns of Hausa. The analysis focuses on both consonantal and vocalic segments in Hausa, considering how labialization and palatalization interact with other phonological features such as voicing, nasalization, and vowel height. Through a detailed examination of the distribution and conditioning factors of these processes, the study seeks to uncover the underlying principles that govern the occurrence of labialized and palatalized sounds in Hausa. Furthermore, the research explores the implications of labialization and palatalization for phonological processes such as assimilation, harmony, and vowel coalescence in Hausa. By investigating how these processes contribute to the phonotactics and morphophonology of the language, the study sheds light on the intricate interplay between segmental and suprasegmental features in Hausa phonology. The findings of this research have theoretical implications for phonological theory, particularly in relation to the analysis of features and their role in phonological processes. By demonstrating the significance of distinctive features in accounting for labialization and palatalization in Hausa, the study contributes to our understanding of how segmental contrasts are maintained and manipulated in natural language systems. Overall, this research project offers a comprehensive examination of labialization and palatalization in Hausa, highlighting the intricate phonological patterns that govern these processes. Through a feature-driven analysis, the study provides a deeper insight into the phonological structure of the language and its implications for 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..