An assessment of tone sandhi phenomena in indigenous Nigerian languages among the Edo

An assessment of tone sandhi phenomena in indigenous Nigerian languages among the Edo

Background of the study
Tone sandhi, the alteration of tone in specific linguistic contexts, is a significant phonological phenomenon in many indigenous Nigerian languages, particularly among the Edo people. This study investigates the occurrence and nature of tone sandhi phenomena as they manifest in everyday speech within Edo communities. The Edo language, with its tonal complexity, provides an excellent framework for exploring how tonal adjustments contribute to meaning differentiation and speech fluidity (Fagbenle, 2023). Recent research has highlighted that tone sandhi is not merely a phonetic curiosity but plays a crucial role in communication, affecting both comprehension and language acquisition (Adebola, 2024). The dynamic interplay between lexical tone and contextual influences leads to systematic tonal modifications that reflect deeper linguistic structures. Social interactions, regional variations, and rapid urbanization further complicate these tonal patterns, making tone sandhi a focal point for understanding language evolution in indigenous settings (Ogun, 2025). This study aims to systematically document and analyze tone sandhi phenomena, drawing on both traditional linguistic analysis and contemporary sociophonetic approaches. The outcomes are expected to enhance our theoretical understanding of tonal systems and contribute to language preservation efforts among the Edo.

Statement of the problem
Despite its linguistic importance, tone sandhi in Edo remains under-researched. There is limited empirical evidence detailing the systematic tonal modifications that occur in various speech contexts among the Edo (Fagbenle, 2023). This gap in the literature creates challenges in understanding how tone sandhi influences meaning and communication, especially in a rapidly modernizing society where language practices are in flux (Adebola, 2024). Furthermore, variations in tone sandhi across different social groups and contexts are not well documented, resulting in an incomplete picture of its phonological implications. Addressing this research gap is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of Edo tonal dynamics and for informing broader phonological theories (Ogun, 2025).

Objectives of the study:

1. To document tone sandhi phenomena in the Edo language.

2. To analyze the contexts in which tonal modifications occur among the Edo.

3. To assess the impact of tone sandhi on communication and language comprehension.

Research questions:

1. What are the typical tone sandhi patterns in the Edo language?

2. How do social and contextual factors influence tone sandhi phenomena?

3. What is the impact of tone sandhi on lexical meaning and comprehension?

Research Hypotheses:

1. Tone sandhi phenomena in Edo occur systematically across different speech contexts.

2. Contextual factors such as speaker age and social setting significantly influence tonal modifications.

3. Tone sandhi has a measurable effect on lexical interpretation and communication efficacy.

Significance of the study:
This study offers critical insights into the tone sandhi phenomena within Edo, contributing to the understanding of tonal dynamics in indigenous languages. Its findings will be invaluable for linguists, educators, and cultural preservationists seeking to document and sustain indigenous phonological systems (Fagbenle, 2023; Ogun, 2025).

Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to assessing tone sandhi phenomena in the Edo language. It focuses exclusively on the tonal modifications in everyday speech among the Edo people and does not extend to other phonological aspects or languages.

Definitions of terms:

1. Tone Sandhi: The process by which tones change according to phonetic context.

2. Tonal Language: A language in which pitch variations can affect meaning.

3. Edo Language: An indigenous Nigerian language characterized by complex tonal patterns.