AUTOSEGMENTAL ACCOUNT OF ANTICIPATORY AND PERSEVERATIVE TONAL ASSIMILATION: EVIDENCE FROM OBOLO-AFO DIALET OF THE IGBO LANGUAGE

Abstract

Abstract

This paper examines how anticipatory and perseverative tonal assimilation operate in Obolo-Afo dialect of the Igbo language using sutosegmental analysis. Although some impressive research on phonology have been carried out on phonological rules, assimilation, elision, syllable and stress, tonal assimilation seems to have been sidelined by investigators especially in Igbo studies, hence, the need for this study. In addition, in the light of Nwaozuzu (2008), and Okorji(2001), a more inclusive groupings of Igbo dialect and analysis of other dialects of the Igbo language will lead to a more detailed study of the dialects. In essence, this paper investiagates selected anticipatory and perseverative tonal assimilation that operate in the dialect; high tone, downstep and low tone.