A STUDY OF MUTUAL INTELLIGIBILITY BETWEEN IGUEBEN AND EWU DIALECTS OF ESAN

ABSTRACT

Mutual intelligibility is the concept where two or more languages are related, and understanding one doesn't impact the comprehension of the other. This study aims to explore mutual intelligibility between the Igueben and Ewu dialects of Esan, a language spoken in Nigeria. The investigation seeks to gauge how well speakers of these dialects can communicate given their linguistic similarities and differences. By collecting, presenting, analysing, and comparing lexical elements, this project offers insights into the interplay and shared understanding between the Igueben and Ewu dialects within the larger context of the Esan language. The findings of this research will enhance our knowledge of the diversities within Esan languages and shed light on the factors like migration language contact, borrowing influencing mutual intelligibility between these linked dialects. The implications of this study extend to preserving language, enriching education, and maintaining cultural identity within the Esan community. It could also support language documentation and revitalisation initiatives by identifying linguistic traits that may facilitate or hinder communication among dialect speakers. The degree of relatedness between Igueben and Ewu has shown that Igueben is not so related to Ewu (Esan) as it should be. The results showed that Igueben and Ewu are varieties of the same language not varieties of the same dialects. Finally, this investigation contributes to the field of comparative linguistics by revealing the intricate mechanisms of language variation and transformation within a specific linguistic community.