AN AUTO SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS OF SYLLABLE STRUCTUREPROCESSES IN T R K

Abstract

This study analysed syllable structure processes in Tàrók, a Central Nigerian languageunder the Niger-Congo phylum, spoken predominantly in Langtang North LocalGovernment Area of Plateau State. Whereas only a few almost obsolete phonologicalresearch literature in the language exists, which had not given full attention to syllable-based processes in the language, which had made it difficult to identify core syllableboundary and the phonological environments that permitted or prohibited certain syllablesequences, this study aimed to address these shortcomings by investigating the role ofphonological processes on syllable combination in Tàrók words. The s tudy employed anauto-segmental framework to analyse the syllable processes in Tàrók. The study used aqualitative research method of data collection through oral interviews with five (5) nativespeakers of Tàrók. The study used a structured questionnaire and an audio recorder asresearch instruments. The study found that evidence from vowel elision, consonant deletionand epenthesis demonstrated the existence of syllable structure processes in Tàrók. Thestudy concluded that syllable structure processes contributed to individual understandingof the internal structure of the syllable structure types in the language and the manner inwhich these processes influence the realisation of syllable patterns in connected speech.The study recommended further research on syllable structure processes in the languageand other African languages in order to incorporate a more scientific approach tophonological study of syllable structure, especially with the introduction of tools forlinguistic analysis and the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into research.