ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on the Comparative Analysis of the Suprasegments of Igbo and Ibibio languages. The objectives of the study were to examine the Igbo and Ibibio tonal features, investigate the type of intonational patterns in both languages, and find out the phonological variation in speech of the Igbo native speakers while learning the Ibibio language and vice-versa. Goldsmith’s Autosegmental Phonology (1976) as used by Ekpe (2015) is adopted as the theoretical frame for the study. This study adopted the survey research design and data were collected using textual materials, interviews, and participant observations. A total number of 40 informants were drawn from Ikot Abasi L.G.A and Owerre L.G.A each using random sampling technique. Findings show that Ibibio has two tones; high [ ́ ] and low [ ̀ ] tone, other tones are modifications of the high and low sequences. The Igbo has high [ ́ ] and low [ ̀ ], down step and downdrift tone. It was revealed that intonational patterns in both languages are similar on imperative, WH-interrogative, declarative/statement, exclamation ‘O’ intonation and yes/no patterns and the common intonation pattern for both languages is the high-low falling pattern. The learners of the Ibibio language and vice-versa encounter problems in producing words and sentences since both language syllable structure differ as well as most segments and tonal patterns. It is recommended that the Igbo learner of the Ibibio language and vice-versa should make conscious efforts to master the suprasegmental patterns of the Ibibio language and vice-versa in order to reach the level when communicating with the native speakers of these languages.
