Abstract:
This research work critically examines the phonological variation in Aku and Ukehe dialects of Igbo language. The method of data elicitation was mainly perceptual against descriptive approach. This was achieved through systematic observation and analysis of the speakers’ use of language in natural situations. In collecting the data 16adult male and female were interviewed with 8persons from each dialect, 4male and 4female respectively. We observes that the phonemes [dv], [ʃ], [ʒ], [r],[m], from Aku dialect was pronounced differently to Ukehe dialect as thus: [v], [s], [z], [l], [n]. Looking at both phonemes, one will think of different meaning from both dialects or rather that the meaning lied on their accent. From our findings, they are semantically the same but phonologically variants. Through the primary and secondary data, we were able to identify areas of similarities and differences in their phonology. The study focuses on the phonological variables of the selected dialects of Igbo language. We have also established that at the segmental level, the choice and use of certain segments by some dialectal groups may bring about phonological differences. The study also explores the use of tone and intonations in these dialects and clearly shows that tone and intonation play a dominant role in phonological variation in their dialects. Above all, the study reveals that there is a high level of mutual intelligibility amongst Aku and Ukehe dialects in spite of the phonological variation.
