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    RESEARCH ROPOSAL

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    5 views6 pages

    Research Roposal

    Uploaded by

    macualeyjoy23

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 6

    A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    TOPIC: THE TONAL SYSTEM OF OKOBO

    CHAPTER 1
    INTRODUCTION:
    This chapter provides a comprehensive foundation for this study. Which includes; the
    background to the study, statement of research problem, objective of the study, research
    questions, significance of the study, as well as the scope and limitations.
    1.1. BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
    Tonal languages use pitch to distinguish meaning between words and phrases, making tone a
    fundamental aspect of their phonology. Studies about the tonal system of The Okobo language, a
    member of the Lower Cross River languages within the Niger-Congo family, are limited, leading
    to significant gaps in the understanding of its tonal system. This research seeks to fill these gaps
    by documenting and analyzing the tones in Okobo.
    1.1.2 BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LANGAUGE
    The Okobo language is spoken by the Okobo people, who primarily reside in Akwa Ibom State
    of Nigeria. It is classified as a Lower Cross River language, belonging/m to the Cross River
    branch of the Niger-Congo language family.
    1.1.3 THE PEOPLE
    1.1.4 THE CULTURE
    1.1.5 THE LANGUAGE
    1.2. STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS
    The primary issue this research seeks to address is the insufficient documentation and analysis of
    the tonal system in the Okobo language. As a lesser-known language, Okobo has not been the
    focus of extensive linguistic research, leading to gaps in understanding its phonetic and
    phonological properties and it also aims at examining the interaction between tone and other
    linguistic features in Okobo.
    1.3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

    1. To document and describe the tonal system of the Okobo language.


    2. To analyze the phonetic and phonological properties of Okobo tones.
    3. To understand how tone functions in the grammar and lexicon of Okobo.
    1.4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
    1. What are the distinct tonal patterns in the Okobo language
    2. How do these tonal patterns interact with Okobo’s phonological and grammatical
    structures?
    3. What role does tone play in distinguishing meaning in Okobo words and sentences?
    1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
    The research will analyze how tones function within the phonological system of Okobo.
    Additionally, this study aims at differentiating between lexical tones, which affect word
    meanings, and grammatical tone.
    While this study focuses on the tonal system, it may not encompass other important
    linguistic aspects such as morphology, syntax, and semantics, which contribute to a fuller
    understanding of the language.
    1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
    Understanding the tonal system provides deeper insights into the Okobo people's cultural and
    communicative practices, highlighting the intrinsic link between language and culture. The
    research can also aid in developing educational and literacy materials for the Okobo community,
    supporting language learning and maintenance efforts.

    CHAPTER 2
    REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
    2.1 INTRODUCTION
    This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of previous research related to tonal systems in
    languages, particularly African languages. It highlights the theoretical frameworks,
    methodologies, and findings relevant to the study of the Okobo language.
    2.2 THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK
    2.2.1. AUTOSEGMENTAL PHONOLOGY
    Developed by Goldsmith (1976), this theory treats tone as an independent tier of representation
    that interacts with segmental features. It provides tools for analyzing how tones associate with
    syllables and how tonal features can spread or shift.
    2.2.2. TONAL SANDHI
    This refers to phonological changes that tones undergo in specific linguistic environments,
    conditioned by syntactic, morphological, or phonological contexts.
    2.2.3. OPTIMALITY THEORY (OT)
    Proposed by Prince and Smolensky (1993), OT posits that surface forms of language result from
    the optimal satisfaction of competing constraints.
    2.3 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
    2.3.1 TONAL SYSTEMS IN AFRICAN LANGUAGES
     Niger-Congo languages
     Bantu languages
    2.3.2 TONE
    Tone is a term used in phonology to refer to the distinctive pitch level of a syllable. It can also be
    defined as pitch variation that changes the core meaning of a word.
    2.3.4. FUNCTIONS OF TONE
     Lexical function
     Grammatical function
    2.3.5 TONAL MODIFICATIONS
    1. Tonal spreading
     Partial tone spreading
     Complete tone spreading
    2. Tone mapping
     One-to-one tonal mapping
    3. Tonal polarization.

    CHAPTER 3
    RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
    3.1. INTRODUCTION:
    The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative
    techniques to analyze the Okobo tonal system.

    3.2. RESEARCH DESIGN


    Research design shows the planned outline the researcher has opted to use to generate answers to
    the research problems identified. It provides the basis for the selection of appreciate research
    methods to be used in investigating its given phenomenon (Victor, 2011). The study will employ
    a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to analyze the
    Okobo tonal system.
    3.3 SAMPLE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
    The sampling technique used in collecting data from participants for the research was the
    stratified random sampling technique.
    3.4 TOOLS FOR DATA COLLECTION
     Questionnaires
     One-on-one oral test/interview
    3.5 METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
     Fieldwork
     Natural speech recording

    3.6 VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE DATA

    Before the data were collected, several measures were put in place to ensure that the data
    collection instruments, as well as the data to be collected and coded for analysis were valid
    and reliable.

    3.7 PROCEDURE FOR DATA ANALYSIS


    The researcher, having collected the data which was properly coded and categorized,
    described and analyzed, then based on the stated research objectives. The study uses a
    descriptive analytical research method in describing and analyzing the data systematically.

    CHAPTER 4
    DATA REPRESENTATION AND DATA ANALYSIS
    4.1 INTRODUCTION
    In this chapter, a detailed data analysis using qualitative approach is presented to
    holistically account for the tonal systems in Okobo.
    4.2 DATA PRESENTATION
    Organizing and presenting the collected data, including transcriptions and acoustic
    measurements.
    4.3 DATA ANALYSIS
    Identifying and describing the distinct tonal patterns in Okobo, analyzing their phonetic
    and phonological properties.
    4.3.1 INTERACTION WITH PHONOLOGICAL AND GRAMMATICAL
    STRUCTURES
    Exploring how tonal patterns interact with other linguistic features in Okobo, such as
    morphology and syntax.
    4.3.2 ROLE OF TONE IN MEANING DIFFERENTIATION
    Examining the role of tone in distinguishing meaning in Okobo words and sentences.
    4.4 RESEARCH FINDINGS AND RESULT
    This study discusses the implications of the findings for theoretical models of tone,
    phonological analysis, and language preservation efforts.

    CHAPTER 5
    SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMMENDATIONS

    5.1 SUMMARY
    This summarizes the key findings of the study of tonal system of Okobo and its
    significance.
    5.2 CONCLUSIONS
    This Reflects on the study’s overall contributions and its impact on the understanding and
    preservation of the Okobo language.
    5.3 RECCOMMENDATIONS

    BIBLOGRAPHY
    Anyanwu, R-J (1998) Aspects of Igbo Grammar: Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology
    And The Tonology Of Nouns Zugl: Hamburg, Univ., Diss.

    Connell Bruce, (1994): The Lower Cross Languages; A Prolegomena to The


    Classification Of The Cross River Languages.

    Essesien Ntekim (2013), Okobo; Story of A Nigerian People, Nubris, US

    Ferdinand De Saussure, (1916), Cours De Linguistique General, University Of Geneva

    Mora Yip, (2002) Phonetics of Tone, (Article). London University College, London.

    Okon E.E Et Al, (2022). The Communicativeness of Okobo Traditional Dance


    Performances. A Research Journal of Mass Communication and Information Technology, (Vol8,
    NO.1)
    Okon Uya (1984), A History Of Oron People Of The Lower Cross Basin.

    Robert, H.R Et Al, (2024), Encyclopedia Britannica, London.

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