A comparative study of connected speech features in Nigerian English and RP

What is it about?

This study, using 360 Nigerian English speakers and two RP speakers (as controls), compares two connected speech features (assimilation and elision) of educated Nigerian English with Received Pronunciation. We establish that, unlike in RP, operations of connected speech features have restricted occurrence in Nigerian English, as speakers only approximate to RP features that are phonetically motivated, common and usually attested in more languages.

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Why is it important?

Previous studies that have established significant differences between Spoken Nigerian English and Received Pronunciation have been confined to the segmental and suprasegmental description. Yet the features of connected speech contribute significantly to the marked difference between the native and non-native English accents and are capable of impairing intelligibility between speakers of both varieties. This study therefore provides explanations for how connected speech features of these two varieties differ.