Sorting Fact from Fiction: A Critical Review and Revision of Hausa Minimal Pairs in Phonological Literature

Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Research Methodology
• Data presentation and discussion
• Analysis of Hausa Minimal Sets with Expanded Membership
• Analysis of Hausa Suprasegmental Minimal Pairs
• Summary of Research Findings
•   Recommendations
• Conclusion
• Reference

Citation: Umar, M.A. & Muhammad, I. (2024). Sorting Fact from Fiction: A Critical Review and Revision of Hausa Minimal Pairs in Phonological Literature. Dynamics in the 21st Century Hausa Prose Literature. Tasambo Journal of Language, Literature, and Culture, 3(1), 144-152. www.doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2024.v03i01.016.

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

Minimal pairs, which are pairs of words differing by only one phoneme, are fundamental to phonological analysis. They reveal the distinctive building blocks of sound in a language, enabling us to identify its sound patterns and understand its internal logic. In Hausa, a richly melodic language spoken by over 100 million people across West Africa, minimal pairs play a crucial role in unravelling the intricacies of its unique phonology.

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 ϕ a Ƙ wa ϕ a	G wà f aa Ƙ wà f aa	[ gwà ϕ aa ] [ ƙ wà ϕ aa ]	/g w / / ƙ w /	F orked stick Tutting	Noun Verb
3	Ƙ oda Ƙ o ϕ a Ƙ ota	Ƙ oodàa Ƙ oofàa Ƙ ootàa	[ ƙ oodàa] [ ƙ oo ϕ àa] [ ƙ ootàa ]	/d/ / ϕ / /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	Kàashiyàa kàaciyàa,	[kàashiyàa] [kàaciyàa]	/ 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, "gwàfaa" and " ƙ w à faa" showcase a contrast in labialized velar consonants (/g ʷ / vs. / ƙʷ /) under the contrasting (LH) Low-High tone pattern and (CVCVV) syllabic structure. Finally, " ƙ ood à a," " ƙ oofàa," and " ƙ oot à a" demonstrate how voiced alveolar plosive, voiceless alveolar plosive, and voiceless bilabial fricative contrasts (/d/ vs. /t/ vs. / ϕ /) 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 [buutàa], 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 àrbaa H àrbaa	[t àrbaa ] [ hàrbaa ]	/t/  /h/	to welcome to shoot	Verb Verb
2	Sada   Fada	Saadà   Faadà	[saadà]   [faadà]	/s/     / ϕ /	To introduce Court of king	Verb   Noun
3	Tuta Buta	Tuutàa Buutàa	[ tuutàa ] [ buutàa ]	/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 (/tàrbaa/ and /hàrbaa/), 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 /buutàa/ and /tuutàa/.

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 [kunyàa] ‘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’ [kwàrii] 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 / ƙ / 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 ƙ a" (knife) with HH tone and "wuya" (neck) with HL tone; and "bab á " (mother) with HL tone versus "b à aba" (father) with LH tone. While "ha ƙ oori" ("teeth") and "ha ƙ 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 Ɗ ara Dara Gara Karàa	Aràa Baràa Caràa Ɗ aràa Daràa Garàa Karàa	[?aràa] [baràa] [ ʧ aràa] [ ɗ aràa] [daràa] [garàa] [karàa]	/?/ /b/ / ʧ / / ɗ / /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.       Aràa 'lend', Baràa 'servant', Caràa 'throw a spear',  ɗ aràa 'exceed', Daràa 'game', Garàa 'drive a cycle', and Karàa 'cattle market'

b.       Differ solely in their initial sounds (/ ʔ /, /b/, /ts/, / ɗ /, /d/, /g/, and /k/, respectively).

c.        Share an identical final VCVV /-aràa/ 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	Bàabaa Baabaa	[bàabaa] [baabaa]	/àa/ /aa/	Impot ent Indigo	Noun Noun
2	Ceto Ceto	Cèetoo Ceetoo	[cèetoo] [ceetoo]	/èe/ /ee/	To save Salvation	Verb Noun
3	Daba Daba	Dabàa Daabàa	[dabàa] [daabàa]	/a/ /aa/	G ang Durbar	Noun Noun
4	Dama Dama	Daamàa Daamaa	[daamàa] [daamaa]	/àa/ /aa/	Mixing privilege	Verb Noun
5	Fama Fama	Faamàa Faamaa	[faamàa] [faamaa]	/àa/ /aa/	To wound Struggling	Verb Noun
6	Kasa Kasa	Kaasàa Kaasaa	[kaasàa] [kaasaa]	/àa/ /aa/	Unable S nake	Verb Noun
7	Sara Sara	Saaraa Sàaraa	[saaraa] [sàaraa]	/aa/ /àa/	Retail H abit	noun Noun
8	Sauna Sauna	Sauna a Saunàa	[saunaa] [saunàa]	/aa/ /àa/	Doubting Fool	Noun Noun

 

Consider the pair bàabaa (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, daamàa (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 /ɗ/), 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

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