AN ANALYSIS OF PRONUNCIATION AND TRANSCRIPTION CHALLENGES AMONG SELECTED IBIBIO (NIGERIAN) ENGLISH SPEAKERS

Abstract

This paper examines the pronunciation and transcription challenges
among Ibibio (Nigerian) speakers of English, especially as it relates to
the Nigerian situation. Specifically, the research studies the written
expressions of sophisticated Nigerian English speakers to determine
the effective use of weak and strong forms. The research is
necessitated by the observed challenges in the realisation and
representation of strong and weak forms among speakers and writers
of English in the Nigerian linguistic environment. Data for the
research were collected from Educated Nigerian English speakers
through measured tests in which each participant was asked to
transcribe and read aloud selected sentences. The participants’
recorded voices were collated and analysed perceptually. It was
discovered that all the subjects had challenges in the realisation of
weak forms in most of the tests, though they did well in some aspects.
It is hoped a more concerted effort in teaching and practising weak
forms in educational settings would go a long way to inculcating the
needed consciousness in the pronunciation of weak forms in their
speeches.