Cluster simplification in Olusuba: An optimality theory account
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Abstract
This paper centres on phonological process involved in the simplification of clusters of consonants in Olusuba. This simplification has been established in the phonological behaviours of these clusters as attested in their differences in the underlying and surface forms during their articulation. Using data from Olusuba the study shows that the language can allow two consonants at the onset of its syllables hence a cluster. From the reviewed literature, studies show that some of these clusters are difficult to articulate, therefore, an involvement remedies by the speakers of languages in their articulation of words bearing clusters. This study was set to describe phonological processes involved in the simplification of these clusters in Olusuba. The data generated in this study were analysed within the framework of Optimality Theory (OT). To establish the phonological processes involved in the simplification, a descriptive analytic design was used in the study. The research design entailed description and explanation of why and how consonant clusters display specific patterns in Olusuba. Findings of this study are expected to be useful as they will provide archival preservation of corpora that would have been constructed from Olusuba.
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