ABSTRACT
Syllabification is the process of segmenting a word into syllables. This research work investigated syllabification in the Ekid language, syllable structures and the phonotactic constraints that govern the distribution of segments in syllable initial, medial and final position. The research methodology employed was descriptive research method. The data for this study were collected using the Ibadan 400 list of words and the data were analyzed using the sonority theory as a theoretical framework. The findings revealed that Ekid has a simple syllable structure and that syllabification in Ekid is strictly guided by the phonotactic statement of Ekid language. Based on the sonority principle this work has also showed that vowels are more sonorous in peak than the syllabic nasals in Ekid syllable. This research work would help in the phonological study of the Ekid language.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Title Page - - - - i
Declaration - - - - ii
Certification - - - - iii
Dedication - - - - iv
Acknowledgments - - - - vi
Table of Contents - - - - vii
Abstract - - - - xi
CHAPTER ONE – GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction - - - - 1
1.1 Background Information of the EsitEkid People - 2
1.2 The Linguistic Classification of Ekid - - 4
1.3 Statement of the Research Problem - - 6
1.4 Research Objectives - - - 6
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - 6
1.6 Delimitation of the Study - - - 7
1.7 Definition of Terms - - - 7
CHAPTER TWO – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.0 Introduction - - - - 9
2.1 Theoretical Framework - - - 9
2.2 Review of Concepts Associated with Research Objectives - 11
2.2.1 The Syllable - - - - 11
2.2.2 The Structure of the Syllable - - - 12
2.2.3 Syllable Weight - - - 14
2.2.4 Syllabic Consonant - - - 16
2.2.5 Syllabification - - - 16
2.2.6 Re-Syllabification - - - 18
2.2.7 Sonority Sequence Principle (SSP) - - 18
2.3 Review of Related Works - - - 20
2.3.1 The Khana Syllable Structure - - 20
2.3.2 The Ibibio Syllable Structure - - 20
2.3.3 The Anaang Syllable Structure - - 21
CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction - - - - 22
3.1 Research Design - - - 22
3.2 Sampling and Sampling Procedure - - 22
3.3 Tools for Data Collection - - - 23
3.4 Method of Data Collection - - - 23
3.5 Validity and Reliability - - - 23
3.6 Procedures for Data Analysis - - - 24
CHAPTER FOUR - DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
4.0 Introduction - - - - 25
4.1 Syllable Structure of Ekid - - - 25
4.1.1 V-Syllable Structure - - - 26
4.1.2 N-Syllable Structure - - - 26
4.1.3 CV-Syllable Structure - - - 27
4.1.4 CVC-Syllable Structure - - - 28
4.1.5 CVV-Syllable Structure - - - 29
4.1.6 CVVC-Syllable Structure - - - 29
4.1.7 CGV-Syllable Structure - - - 30
4.1.8 CGVC-Syllable Structure - - - 30
4.2 Syllabification in Ekid - - - 31
4.3 Monosyllabic Words - - - 34
4.4 Disyllabic Words - - - 35
4.5 Trisyllabic Words - - - 36
4.6 Heavy and Light Syllables - - - 36
4.7 Close Syllable - - - - 37
4.8 Open Syllable - - - - 38
4.9 Phonotactic Rules in Ekid - - - 38
4.10 Discussion of Findings - - - - 39
CHAPTER FIVE – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction - - - - 41
5.1 Summary - - - - 41
5.2 Conclusion - - - - 42
5.3 Recommendation - - - - 42
References - - - - 43
Appendix - - - - 45-50
