Towards Solving the Problem of Tone in the Learning of Hausa and Yoruba Languages

Abstract

This paper examines the phonological feature of tone in ‘minimal pairs’ or what the writer calls ‘tonal homographs’ in the Hausa and Yoruba languages. This is done with regards to effective pronunciation (geared towards avoiding phonological ambiguity in communication) among learners. The paper is relevant for the strength, empowerment and the survival of Nigerian indigenous languages in an environment where there is a violent dominance of the English language; and for the importance of Hausa and Yoruba languages in Nigeria where the Nigerian Policy on Education (NPE, 1998) states that every child should learn the language of the immediate environment; and that in the interest of National Unity, it is expedient that every child shall be required to learn one of the three Nigerian languages: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. The emphasis of NPE is on the mother tongue whereas the process taken by English language is ever evolving and slowly replaces the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigerian languages on a National scale. In view of this, an exposure of tone in Hausa and Yoruba languages will hopefully, facilitate the learning of both languages and consequently increase their number of active speakers.