SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF THE PHONOLOGICAL VARIATION OF / K/ AND /S/ IN GURENԐ

Barnabas A-ingkonge

Abstract


This paper discusses a linguistic preference of Gurenԑ, a Dialect of Farefari language spoken in two of the seven Districts in the Upper East Region in Ghana, with specific reference to phonological variance of /k/ and /s/. It is mainly focused on the causes of phonological variation and the effects it has on the language. The researcher in this study resorted to the use of ethnographic approach to getting his data and findings. This study presents a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the finding of a sociolinguistic study of phonological variation of /k/ and /s/ in Gurenԑ of the Bolgatanga Community in the Upper East Region, Ghana. The findings among other things revealed that the variant /k/ is more dominant variant and used more by youth and students in the community than the aged. The /s/ variant had its highest users from the aged in the community. The study also revealed that the /k/ will be used in future and the /s/ faded off since the majority of its users are happened to be the aged.

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Keywords


phonological variation, ethnographic study, sociolinguistic, Farefari language, Gurenԑ dialect

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejlll.v4i2.206

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