Table of Contents
Sorting Fact from Fiction: A Critical Review and Revision of Hausa
Minimal Pairs in Phonological Literature
Muhammad
Arabi UMAR
Department
of Languages and Cultures
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
arabiumar@fugusau.edu.ng
And
Isah Muhammad
Department of Linguistics
Usmanu
Danfodio University, Sokoto
isahgaladima@gmail.com
Abstract
This research addresses the issues surrounding
Hausa minimal pairs, aiming to separate fact from fiction in existing
literature and provide a solid foundation for phonological analysis. By
consulting trustworthy dictionaries and engaging with native speakers, we
validate and refine our analysis of minimal pairs. Our study identifies and
analyzes valid minimal pairs, highlighting the fundamental phonemes and their
impact on meaning. We also eliminate inaccurate pairs and explore expanded
minimal sets and suprasegmental pairs to further enrich our understanding of
sound and tone in Hausa. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of
the interplay between phonemes and meaning in the Hausa language.
In light
of our research, we propose a corrected table of Hausa minimal pairs,
addressing inaccuracies and inconsistencies found in previous studies. We also
emphasize the need for meticulous analysis and careful interpretation when
identifying and interpreting minimal pairs, as ambiguities may arise. This
calls for collaboration with experts and transparent documentation of revisions
to ensure uncompromising accuracy.
The dissemination of reliable examples of
minimal pairs is crucial for their proper use in research, education, and
technological applications. We advocate for the promotion of these examples and
the awareness of their importance in understanding the sound patterns and
internal structure of the Hausa language.
Keywords:
Hausa minimal pairs, phonology, phonemes, lexical contrast, ambiguity,
accuracy, expanded minimal sets, suprasegmental pairs, tone, dissemination,
education
Introduction
While
groundbreaking research by Sani (2005, 2010, 2015) laid the groundwork, recent
studies like Ahmad et al. (2023) have raised concerns about inconsistencies in
published data. This review delves into this conundrum, separating fact from
fiction in existing literature and paving the way for a more rigorous understanding
of Hausa minimal pairs.
Our
inquiry begins with the very essence of these phonological twins. As Trubetzkoy
(1939) aptly described, they are the "smallest sound units...which
distinguish words," revealing the fundamental phonemes, the indivisible
atoms of meaning. In Hausa, "cân" (there) and "nân" (here)
showcase this principle exquisitely. Differing only in their initial
consonants, /ʧ/ and /n/, they demonstrate the profound
contrastive power of a single sound segment. This principle transcends Hausa
boundaries, highlighting the universal nature of phonemic systems.
Furthermore,
minimal pairs are vital for uncovering phonological rules and processes
(Haspelmath, 201
0
). By
examining how phonemes in minimal pairs behave in different contexts, we can
unveil the underlying patterns governing sound changes. Imagine a child
grappling with a second language; minimal pairs become their training ground,
allowing them to discriminate between /p/ and /b/, /r/ and /l/, ultimately
paving the way for accurate pronunciation.
Beyond
academic analysis, minimal pairs hold significance in language acquisition and
cross-linguistic comparison. As we might compare intricate snowflakes, studying
minimal pairs in Hausa alongside languages like English or Arabic sheds light
on the fascinating diversity of human languages and the universal principles
that underpin them.
However,
this journey through Hausa minimal pairs is not without its challenges.
Inconsistencies in published data necessitate a critical review, prompting us
to delve into the details of disputed examples and ultimately discern the
reliable from the questionable. By meticulously sifting through existing
literature, this review strives to elevate our understanding of Hausa minimal
pairs to a new level of accuracy and robustness.
Research Methodology
Unveiling
the true nature of Hausa minimal pairs demands a multifaceted approach. We
begin by meticulously scrutinizing existing pairs in academic texts, online
resources, and established sets, classifying them as valid, ambiguous, or
incorrect based on stringent phonological criteria. Next, we consult trusted
guides like Bergery, BUK, and Abubakar's dictionaries, delving into definitions
and usage examples to validate our initial classifications or unveil potential
ambiguities.
Bridging
theory and practice, we engage native Hausa speakers with exceptional phonetic
understanding. Their insights on ambiguous and incorrect pairs, especially
potential misinterpretations, will refine our analysis and ensure the revised
pairs reflect real-world pronunciation. To solidify our findings and resolve
lingering uncertainties, we seek the expertise of qualified Hausa phonologists.
Their invaluable knowledge guarantees the validity and accuracy of our
classifications.
Finally,
we meticulously weave together data from all sources. This comprehensive
examination allows us to rectify incorrect pairs, investigate ambiguous ones,
and ultimately present a revised and reliable list. By critically discussing
our findings, sharing the prevalence of each category, and illuminating the
methodological contributions, we pave the way for a more accurate understanding
of Hausa phonology. The outcome is a valuable resource for future research and
pedagogical applications, ensuring the true nature of Hausa minimal pairs
shines through, correcting misinformation and enriching our understanding of
this fundamental aspect of the language.
Data presentation and discussion
Valid Pairs: Those exhibiting unambiguously distinct contrasts
adhering to established Hausa phonological rules.
Phonemes, the fundamental
units of sound in a language, are typically distinguished and analyzed through
the use of minimal pairs. These pairs consist of words that differ by a single
sound, thereby highlighting the pivotal role of that specific sound in
conveying meaning. Sani (2005, p. 20; 2010, p. 27; 2015, pp. 26-27) provided
valuable examples of Hausa minimal pairs, offering insights into the intricate
workings of the language's phonology.
The following table presents
a comprehensive compilation of these pairs, enriched with phonetic
transcriptions and pronunciation details. This resource serves as a valuable
tool for understanding the distinctive features and patterns that shape Hausa
speech.
Table 1:
Hausa Minimal Pairs Compiled from Sani (2005, 201
0
, 2015)
:
SN
|
Orthographic
F
orm
|
Pronunciation
|
Phonetic Representation
|
Phonemic Contras
t
|
Meaning
|
Grammatical Category
|
1
|
Baya
K
aya
|
Baayaa
K
aayaa
|
[baajaa]
[kaajaa] |
/b/
/k/ |
Back
L
oad |
Noun
Noun |
2 |
G
wa
Ï•
a
Ƙ
wa
Ï•
a
|
G
wÃ
f
aa
Ƙ
wÃ
f
aa |
[
gwÃ
Ï•
aa
]
[
Æ™
wÃ
Ï•
aa
] |
/g
w
/
/
Æ™
w
/ |
F
orked stick
Tutting |
Noun
Verb |
3 |
Ƙ
oda
Ƙ
o
Ï•
a
Ƙ
ota |
Ƙ
oodà a
Ƙ
oofà a
Ƙ
ootà a |
[
Æ™
oodà a]
[
Æ™
oo
Ï•
à a]
[
Æ™
ootà a
] |
/d/
/
Ï•
/
/t/ |
Kidney
Door
H
aft |
Noun
Noun
Noun |
4 |
M
aki
Mako |
M
aakìi
Maakòo |
[m
aakìi
]
[maakòo] |
/ii/
/oo/ |
Mark
week |
Noun
Noun |
5 |
Rawa
Ruwa |
Rawaa
Ruwaa |
[rawaa]
[ruwaa] |
/a/
/u/ |
Dance
water |
Noun
Noun |
6 |
Kashiya
K
aciya
|
Kà ashiyà a
kà aciyà a,
|
[kà ashiyà a]
[kà aciyà a] |
/
ʃ
/
/
ʧ
/ |
Cashier
Circumcision |
Noun
Noun |
7 |
Maki
Miki |
M
aakìi
Mii
kìi
|
[m
aakìi
]
[mii
kìi
] |
/a
a
/
/ii/ |
Mark
wound |
Noun
Noun |
Sani's
pioneering work on Hausa minimal pairs laid the groundwork for comprehending
segmental inventories and phonotactic patterns within the language. His
carefully selected pairs illustrate how minimal contrasts can be achieved while
maintaining a consistent phonological structure. Take, for instance,
"baya" ([baajaa]) and "kaya" ([kaajaa]), where a mere shift
from a voiceless velar plosive (/k/) to a voiced bilabial plosive (/b/) within
the identical (HH) High-High tone and (CVVCVV) syllabic structure creates
distinct words. Similarly, "gwà faa" and "
Æ™
w
Ã
faa" showcase a contrast in labialized velar consonants (/g
Ê·
/ vs. /
ƙʷ
/) under the contrasting (LH)
Low-High tone pattern and (CVCVV) syllabic structure. Finally, "
Æ™
ood
Ã
a," "
Æ™
oofà a," and "
Æ™
oot
Ã
a" demonstrate how voiced alveolar plosive, voiceless alveolar
plosive, and voiceless bilabial fricative contrasts (/d/ vs. /t/ vs. /
Ï•
/) interact with the (HL)
High-Low tone pattern and (CVVCVV) syllabic structure to yield three
phonologically distinct words.
These exemplary pairs not only highlight
fundamental phonemic contrasts but also underscore the significance of
segmental analysis in elucidating underlying phonological representations.
Sani's meticulous approach serves as a springboard for the present study that
aims to explore:
Incorrect
Pairs: Pairs demonstrably violate Hausa phonological principles, such as
exhibiting inconsistencies, multiple phonemic differences, vowel length
variations, or tone issues.
This research by Ahmad et al., 2023, delves into a crucial but
under-investigated area: the challenges faced by Hausa speakers when
encountering English minimal pairs. Their commendable use of a comparative
approach, examining minimal pairs in both languages, sheds light on specific
phonemic contrasts that may pose difficulty. However, while the inclusion of a
table showcasing Hausa minimal pairs is certainly valuable, a closer
examination reveals inaccuracies that potentially affect the analysis.
The table presented here replicates "Incorrect Hausa Minimal
Pairs with Initial Consonants" from Ahmad et al. (2023, p. 99). Identical
data appear in Ahmad et al. (2020, pp. 262-263) and Ahmad et al. (2023, p.
224).
Specifically, several entries in Table 4 contain more than one phonemic difference, invalidating them as true minimal pairs. For example, "Tarba/kar ɓ a" differs in both the initial consonants (/t/ vs. /k/) and medial consonants (/b/ vs. / ɓ /), whereas the author misinterprets the latter as /b/. Similarly, "Sada/fa ɗ a" diverges in three phonemic aspects: initial consonants (/s/ vs. /f/), vowel length (/aa/ vs. /a/), and final consonants (/d/ vs. / ɗ /). Here too, / ɗ / is inaccurately transcribed as /d/. These discrepancies also occur in other pairs like "buta" and "wuta," which again show differences beyond a single phonemic unit. The initial vowel sound in "buta" is a long "uu," while that of "wuta" is short. Additionally, "buta" has a high-low tone [buutà a], while "wuta" has a high-high tone [wutaa]. Therefore, they differ in both vowel length and tone, making them ineligible as minimal pairs.
Table 2:
Corrected Hausa Minimal Pairs Initial
SN
|
Orthographic
f
orm
|
Pronunciation
|
Phonetic Representation
|
Phonemic Contras
t
|
Meaning
|
Grammatical Category
|
1
|
T
arba
H
arba
|
T
à rbaa
H
à rbaa
|
[t
à rbaa
]
[
hà rbaa
] |
/t/
/h/ |
to
welcome
to
shoot |
Verb
Verb |
2 |
Sada
Fada |
SaadÃ
Faadà |
[saadà ]
[faadà ] |
/s/
/
Ï•
/ |
To
introduce
Court
of king |
Verb
Noun |
3 |
Tuta
Buta
|
Tuutà a
Buutà a
|
[
tuutà a
]
[
buutà a
]
|
/t
/
/b/ |
Flag
kettle |
Noun
Noun |
Above is the corrected table, where incorrect minimal pairs have
been rectified. The words "tarba" and "harba" differ in
their initial consonants /t/ and /h/, respectively. However, they both share LH
tone and vowel length at the final position (/tà rbaa/ and /hà rbaa/), making
them valid Hausa minimal
pairs.
Similarly, "sada" and "fada" differ in only
two phonemic contrasts, /s/ vs /f/ in only one environment. They both have
H
L
tone and the long vowel at the initial syllables
position
and L tone short vowel at the final syllable /saadà / and / faadà / establishing
them as correct Hausa minimal pairs. Likewise, "buta" and
"tuta" form a minimal pair, both exhibiting vowel length at the
initial and final positions and HL tone in both syllables, represented as
/buutà a/ and /tuutà a/.
The table provides grammatical information and meanings for each
pair and highlights that the phonemic contrast occurs at the initial position.
The table presented here
replicates "Incorrect Hausa Minimal Pairs with Final Consonants" from
Ahmad et al. (2023, p. 100). The same data are presented in Ahmad et al. (2020,
p. 263) and Ahmad et al. (2023, p. 226).
In Table
6, only one example is valid: kunya ‘ridge’ [kunyaa] with HH tone vs kunya
[kunyà a] ‘shy’ with HL tone. They differ in tone at the final position,
resulting in different meanings. Although vowel length was not captured at the
final position, this is a correct Hausa minimal pair in suprasegmentals.
However,
the second example, kora ‘chasing’ [kòoraa] vs kora [kooraa] ‘infection,’ is
not valid as a final minimal pair. Both words have an H tone on the final vowel
and differ only in the initial vowel "oo." Therefore, they are a
valid Hausa minimal pair under the initial category, not the final category.
The author incorrectly interpreted the tone.
Similarly,
in the third example, kwari ‘valley’ [kwarìi] with HL vs kwari ‘arrow’ [kwà rii]
LH, the difference lies in the tone of the first syllable, and also not
the final syllable. They have polar tones in both syllables. The pair is not
minimal since they vary in more than one environment. Pairs of words that
differ in only a single sound in the same position within the word are called
minimal pairs
.
/k/ not /
Æ™
/ as in the table.
Ambiguous Pairs
: Pairs shrouded in potential
ambiguity due to inconsistencies in tone, unclear descriptions, or questionable
transcriptions.
This table replicates "Ambiguous Hausa Minimal Pairs with
Medial Consonants" from Ahmad et al. (2023, p. 99). Identical data appear
in Ahmad (2020, p. 263) and Ahmad (2023, p. 225).
Three pairs in the table require tone corrections:
"makaranta" (school) with HHH tone and long final vowel versus
"makaranta" (readers/students) with HLLH and a long final vowel;
"wu
Æ™
a" (knife) with HH tone and "wuya" (neck) with HL
tone; and "bab
á
" (mother) with HL tone
versus "b
Ã
aba" (father) with LH
tone.
While "ha
Æ™
oori" ("teeth") and "ha
Æ™
uri" ("patience") appear closer to a valid minimal
pair due to their identical tone pattern and single-phoneme contrast (/oo/ vs.
/u/), further examination suggests potential ambiguities due to the contrasting
vowel lengths (/oo/ long vs. /u/ short). This raises questions about their
validity as a
true minimal pair in Hausa.
Analysis of Hausa Minimal Sets with Expanded Membership
Minimal
pairs serve as essential tools for uncovering the distinctive features of
Hausa's phonological system. These word pairs differ in meaning by a single
sound element, revealing how that element contributes to semantic
differentiation. This table demonstrates that Hausa exhibits minimal sets
exceeding the traditionally reported two or three members, potentially
extending to seven words with a single phonemic contrast.
Table
3
: Hausa Minimal Sets with Expanded Membership
SN |
Orthographic form |
Pronunciation |
Phonetic Representation |
Phonemic Contrast |
Meaning |
Grammatical Category |
1 |
Ara
Bara
Cara
ÆŠ
ara
Dara
Gara
Karà a
|
Arà a
Barà a
Carà a
ÆŠ
arà a
Darà a
Garà a
Karà a |
[?arà a]
[barà a]
[
ʧ
arà a]
[
É—
arà a]
[darà a]
[garà a]
[karà a] |
/?/
/b/
/
ʧ
/
/
É—
/
/d/
/g/
/k/ |
Lend
Servant
Throw spear
Exceed
Game
Drive cycle
Cattle market |
Verb
Noun
Verb
Verb
Noun
Verb
Noun |
The set
exemplifies this phenomenon:
a.
Arà a 'lend', Barà a 'servant', Carà a 'throw
a spear',
É—
arà a 'exceed', Darà a 'game', Garà a 'drive
a cycle', and Karà a 'cattle market'
b.
Differ
solely in their initial sounds (/
Ê”
/, /b/, /ts/, /
É—
/, /d/, /g/, and
/k/, respectively).
c.
Share an
identical final VCVV /-arà a/ sequence.
d.
Exhibit
consistent vowel length, with short /a/ at medial and /aa/ at final.
e.
Share a consistent High-Low tone pattern.
This remarkable set demonstrates that Hausa minimal sets can
accommodate more than the two or three members typically reported, expanding
the scope of potential contrasts for investigation. Such extended minimal sets
offer invaluable insights into the intricate interplay of segments and tones in
shaping meaning.
Therefore, examining Hausa minimal sets through the lens of
expanded membership fosters a richer understanding of the language's
phonological system. Recognizing this phenomenon opens avenues for further
exploration of intricate segmental and tonal interactions, illuminating the
nuanced ways in which sound shapes meaning in Hausa.
Analysis of Hausa Suprasegmental Minimal Pairs
The
analysis of minimal pairs is fundamental to phonology, revealing how subtle
variations in sound can lead to distinct meanings. While traditional minimal
pairs focus on individual segments like consonants and vowels, tone languages
like Hausa offer a fascinating window into the crucial role of suprasegmental
features, particularly tone, in shaping words. These suprasegmental minimal
pairs, as presented in the table, differ solely in tone, showcasing the
intricate interplay between melody and meaning.
Table
4
: Hausa Suprasegmental Minimal Pairs
SN |
Orthographic form |
Pronunciation |
Phonetic Representation |
Phonemic Contrast |
Meaning |
Grammatical Category |
1 |
Baba
Baba |
BÃ abaa
Baabaa |
[bà abaa]
[baabaa] |
/Ã a/
/aa/ |
Impot
ent
Indigo |
Noun
Noun |
2 |
Ceto
Ceto |
Cèetoo
Ceetoo |
[cèetoo]
[ceetoo] |
/èe/
/ee/ |
To save
Salvation |
Verb
Noun |
3 |
Daba
Daba |
Dabà a
Daabà a |
[dabà a]
[daabà a] |
/a/
/aa/ |
G
ang
Durbar |
Noun
Noun |
4 |
Dama
Dama |
Daamà a
Daamaa |
[daamà a]
[daamaa] |
/Ã a/
/aa/ |
Mixing
privilege |
Verb
Noun |
5 |
Fama
Fama |
Faamà a
Faamaa |
[faamà a]
[faamaa] |
/Ã a/
/aa/ |
To wound
Struggling |
Verb
Noun |
6 |
Kasa
Kasa |
Kaasà a
Kaasaa |
[kaasà a]
[kaasaa] |
/Ã a/
/aa/ |
Unable
S
nake |
Verb
Noun |
7 |
Sara
Sara |
Saaraa
SÃ araa |
[saaraa]
[sà araa] |
/aa/
/Ã a/ |
Retail
H
abit |
noun
Noun |
8 |
Sauna
Sauna |
Sauna
a
Saunà a |
[saunaa]
[saunà a] |
/aa/
/Ã a/ |
Doubting
Fool |
Noun
Noun |
Consider
the pair bà abaa (low-high tone) and baabaa (high-high tone). Despite identical
segmental structure (CVVCVV), a subtle pitch shift distinguishes
“impotent”
from
“indigo”
respectively. This phenomenon resonates
throughout the table, where minimal pairs like Cèetoo (low-high tone) and
Ceetoo (high-high tone) contrast “salvation” with “to save .” Similarly, daamà a
(high-low tone) and daamaa (high-high tone) distinguish “mixing” from “privilege”
Summary of Research Findings
This research
goes
into the world of minimal pairs with reference to Hausa examples,
those special word pairs that differ by only a single sound element, revealing
the fundamental building blocks of meaning in the language. By analyzing valid
pairs, the kind that adheres to established phonological rules, we gain
valuable insights into the interplay of phonemes (basic sound units) and their
roles in distinguishing words. This study builds upon the pioneering work of
Sani (2005, 201
0
, 2015), meticulously compiling and examining Hausa minimal pairs
to shed light on the language's sound patterns and internal structure.
However, not all minimal pairs are
created equal. A closer look at Ahmad et al.'s (2023) investigation of Hausa
speakers' challenges with English minimal pairs revealed inaccuracies in their
examples. Several entries contained more than one phonemic difference or
inconsistency in vowel length and tone, invalidating them as true minimal
pairs. To rectify this, we propose a corrected table showcasing revised
examples that accurately represent valid Hausa minimal pairs.
Intriguingly, even within the realm of
valid pairs, ambiguities sometimes lurk. Three pairs in the corrected table
require further scrutiny due to potential tone ambiguities or unclear
descriptions. These uncertainties highlight the need for meticulous analysis
and careful consideration when identifying and interpreting minimal pairs.
Beyond the classic two-member sets, this
research explores the fascinating phenomenon of expanded minimal sets in Hausa.
These sets can comprise up to seven words, all distinguished by a single
phonemic contrast while sharing other features like the final vowel sequence
and tone pattern. This phenomenon extends the scope of potential contrasts for
investigation and offers a deeper understanding of how segments and tones
interact to shape meaning in the language.
Finally, the analysis of suprasegmental
minimal pairs, those solely based on subtle tone variations, underscores the
crucial role of suprasegmental features in Hausa phonology. These pairs
demonstrate how a mere shift in pitch on a syllable can drastically
alter meaning, showcasing the intricate interplay between melody and meaning in
tone languages like Hausa.
Recommendations
1. Correction of Existing Material:
a.
Removal of inaccurate Hausa minimal
pairs: Inaccuracies identified in existing resources, such as Ahmad
et al. (2023), should be rectified and removed from the public
domain. These examples are misleading for learners and negatively impact
Hausa's computational linguistics.
b.
Transparency and
revision: Researchers and authors utilizing existing minimal pair examples
should critically assess their validity and accuracy. Transparency about
any revisions or corrections made is crucial for maintaining reliable reference
materials.
2.
Expert Consultation and Collaboration:
a.
Engagement with Hausa linguists: Researchers
and developers working in areas related to Hausa phonology, especially
computational linguistics, should actively seek input from Hausa language
experts. Their expertise ensures the accuracy and effectiveness of
projects involving minimal pairs.
b.
Collaborative research: In second
language acquisition, conquering minimal pairs – words separated by a single
sound shift – poses a significant challenge. Grasping this concept is vital for
achieving precise pronunciation and avoiding ambiguity. Collaborative research
between linguists, particularly phonologists and semanticians, holds the key to
unlocking the potential of minimal pairs. By combining expertise in sound
structure and word meaning, we can deepen our understanding of how these pairs
serve as L2 learning tools.
The
essence of minimal pairs lies in highlighting the subtle nuances of closely
related sounds. By contrasting pairs like /dafiì/ "poison" and /ɗafi
ì
/ "fixing" (differing in /d/ vs
/É—/), or /sarkii/ "king" and /tsarkii/
"purity" (differing in /s/ vs /s
’
/), learners internalize the impact even
minor sound variations have on meaning. Notably, these pairs share the same
tone and vowel, emphasizing the isolated role of a single consonant in
differentiating meaning. This controlled environment allows learners to focus
on the targeted sound difference, facilitating accurate perception and
production. Through continued collaborative research, we can unlock the full
potential of minimal pairs as pedagogical tools. By exploring diverse language
contexts and learner profiles, we can develop effective teaching strategies
that leverage the power of minimal pairs to empower L2 learners on their
journey towards accurate and meaningful communication.
3.
Further Research and Exploration:
a.
Clarification of ambiguous pairs: often
arising from dialectal variations, tone inconsistencies, or unclear
descriptions, poses a challenge in determining their validity. Careful
examination is required to ensure accurate phonetic and phonemic
representations, considering dialectal influences, precise tone markers, and
clear descriptions using standard symbols and explanations. This meticulous
approach helps resolve ambiguities and pave the way for valid analysis of
minimal pairs
c.
Investigation
of expanded minimal sets: Studying sets with more than two members offers
valuable insights into how segments and tones interact in shaping
meaning, enriching our understanding of Hausa phonology.
d.
Analysis of suprasegmental minimal
pairs: Exploring the intricate interplay of tonal variations adds another
dimension to the understanding of minimal pairs in Hausa.
4.
Dissemination and Education:
e.
Promulgation of accurate Hausa minimal
pairs: Reliable and validated minimal pair examples should be readily
available through educational resources and research publications.
f.
Training
and awareness: Raising awareness among learners and stakeholders about the
importance of accurate minimal pairs for understanding the Hausa language and
preventing the spread of misinformation.
By
implementing these recommendations, we can ensure the responsible and
productive use of Hausa minimal pairs in research, education, and technological
applications. This will contribute to a deeper understanding of Hausa phonology
and its role in shaping meaning, ultimately fostering greater appreciation and
appreciation for this rich and complex language.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this research focuses on the intricate
world of Hausa minimal pairs, revealing their critical role in unlocking the language's
phonological secrets. By analyzing valid pairs—those adhering to established
rules—we gain insights into how fundamental sound units (phonemes) combine to
create distinct meanings. This study builds upon past work, meticulously
compiling and examining examples to shed light on Hausa's internal structure
and sound patterns.
However, not all minimal pairs are created equal. Certain
inaccuracies were discovered in some existing examples, containing multiple
sound changes or inconsistencies in tone and vowel length. These misleading
pairs can hinder both learners and the field of Hausa computational
linguistics. Therefore, it is crucial to remove these inaccuracies from the
public domain and ensure that only valid examples are utilized.
Beyond the need for accuracy, collaboration and further
research are crucial. Engaging with Hausa language experts and fostering
collaborative research efforts can shed light on ambiguous pairs and enrich our
understanding of expanded minimal sets, where up to seven words differ by a
single element. Additionally, exploring suprasegmental pairs, based solely on
subtle tone variations, reveals the profound impact of melody on meaning in
Hausa.
By disseminating accurate minimal pair examples and
raising awareness about their importance, we can empower learners and
researchers alike. This dedication to accuracy and exploration will pave the
way for a deeper understanding of Hausa phonology, allowing us to truly
appreciate the beauty and complexities of this fascinating language.
Reference
Ahmad, S. I.
(2020). A Morpho-Phonological Analysis of Minimal Pairs in Hausa and English
Languages. Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Retrieved from
https://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/items/f98f85be-c0a3-4d26-996a-fb65758e02f4
Ahmad, S. I. (2023, January 27).
A Comparative Analysis of Minimal Pairs in Hausa
and English Languages. International Journal of Arts, Languages, Linguistics
and Literary Studies, 12(1).
https://jolls.com.ng/v2/index.php/jolls/article/view/89
.
Ahmad, S. I.
(2023, May 12). Meaning Generation Through Minimal Pairs Situations in Hausa
and English Languages. Journal of Language and Linguistics, 8(1)
https://www.jolledu.com.ng/index.php/joll/article/view/163
Abubakar, T. (2015).
Ƙ
amusun Harshen
Hausa
.
Zaria:
NNPC.
Bargery, G. P. (1934). A Hausa-English
Dictionary and English-Hausa Vocabulary. Oxford: Oxford University Press
CSNL. (2006),
Ƙ
amusun Hausa na Jami
‟
ar Bayero. Zaria: A.B.U University Press Ltd.
Haspelmath, M. (2010). Comparative concepts and descriptive
categories in crosslinguistic studies. Language, 86(3), 663-687.
Press Plc.
Sani, M. A. Z. (2001) “Focus on Some Segmental and Suprasegmental
Features in Hausa Phonology”. Inuagural Lecture Series No. 5, Kano: Bayero
University.
Sani, M. A. Z. (2005) Tsarin Sauti da Nahawun Hausa. Ibadan
University
Sani, M. A. Z. (2010) Jagoran Nazarin Tsarin sautin Hausa (Ha
É—
e Da Aikin Aji) Tsari na Uku.
Kano: Usman Al-Amin Publishers
Sani, M. A. Z. (2015). An Introductory Phonology of Hausa. Kano:
Triumph Publishing Company.
Trubetzkoy, N. S. (1939).
Principles of phonology. Translated
by J. Cantineau. Klincksieck. (Original work published in 1939 as Grundzüge der Phonologie). (See
Chapter 2.1 for a discussion of phonemes as distinctive units)
No comments:
Post a Comment
ENGLISH: You are warmly invited to share your comments or ask questions regarding this post or related topics of interest. Your feedback serves as evidence of your appreciation for our hard work and ongoing efforts to sustain this extensive and informative blog. We value your input and engagement.
HAUSA: Kuna iya rubuto mana tsokaci ko tambayoyi a ƙasa. Tsokacinku game da abubuwan da muke ɗorawa shi zai tabbatar mana cewa mutane suna amfana da wannan ƙoƙari da muke yi na tattaro muku ɗimbin ilimummuka a wannan kafar intanet.