Phonological adaptation of Arabic names in Atebubu (Bono East Region, Ghana)

Abdulai Akuamah, John Odoom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper discusses the phonological processes embedded in some nativised Arabic personal names in Atebubu, in the Bono East Region of Ghana. The study shows that the main phonological processes entrenched in the nativisation process include segment deletion, vowel insertion, prothesis, substitution, consonant deletion, hypocorism, and free variation. These phonological processes are employed as a mitigation strategy to conform to the phonotactics of Akan. Moreover, the study shows that the Bono speakers usually substitute the consonants (formula presented), respectively. Data for the study was gathered from both primary and secondary sources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)175-192
Number of pages18
JournalStudies in African Languages and Cultures
Volume2023
Issue number57
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2023
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Akan
  • Atebubu
  • Bono dialect
  • nativisation
  • personal names
  • phonological adaptation
  • pronunciation

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