Aspects of the Phonology of Nankarɛ Dialect of Farefari Winneba Campus of the University of Education, Winneba

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the phonological processes in Nankarɛ using autosegmental approach. The study was qualitative research and three focus groups were formed in three communities with five members in each group. The sample size was 15 elderly native speaker of Nankarɛ. Purposeful sampling technique was used. Data elicitation technique was employed during interview to obtain data from individual native speakers and in focus group sessions. The technique involves the description of a scenario where the individual or the group gives the appropriate expression in Nankarε. Observation was necessary in other to balance this need of everyday context with the need to maintain objectivity and not ‘go native’ leading to researched bias. The results of the study revealed that assimilatory processes involving [aATR] where, Cross high vowel harmony was in dominant operation. /gb/ and /kp/ precede [-Back] vowels in the dialect while /f/ and /s/ preceding back/front vowel respectfully become /h/.

Keywords: Autosegmental Aproach, data elicitation technique, distinctive features