A spectrographic analysis of Akan word-final nasals

Abstract

This study examines Akan nasals at different word positions, especially the alveolar and velar nasals at word-final positions, so that both Akan and English language teachers could apply them in teaching. It finds out which dialect(s) of Akan use(s) the velar nasal [ŋ] at the word-final position, and also whether Asante Twi uses palatal nasal [ ] at CVN syllable (where ‘N’ is a nasal consonant). In all, 70 speakers were recorded, ten from each of the seven Akan communities, made up of five males and five females. The subjects were asked to repeat the words presented in a carrier frame “Ɔse {key word} anaa?” [ɔsɪ…anaa] three times, which were recorded and analyzed using Kay Elemetrics Computerized Speech Laboratory (CSL) model 4500 software. The study revealed that Iguae Fantse uses [n], as Akuapem Twi, Agona and Bremang Dialects use [ŋ]. Gomua Fantse, Asante Twi, and Akyem Twi do not use alveolar nasal consonant at word-final position at all because there is no occlusion, rather they may use high front nasalized lax vowel [ɪ] or high back nasalized lax vowel [υ̃] depending on whether the preceding vowel is + or –rounded¹