Consonant Combinations in Annang and English Languages: Initial Clusters in Perspective

Abstract

This survey takes a look at consonant combinations in Annang and English in the perspective of initial clusters. It is also targeted at exposing the similarities and differences that exist between the two languages in this regard. The population comprises government owned post-primary and tertiary
institutions across Akwa Ibom State. Convenience sampling technique is used to select three secondary schools and two tertiary institutions from Akwa Ibom State. Questionnaire forms the major instrument for data collection. Respondents are randomly sampled and administered the instrument across the selected institutions. Frequency counts and simple percentage are used to analyse the data. Findings reveal among others that in Annang, the plosives /p/, /b/, /t/, /d/, /k/, /g/, do not form clusters at initial positions, whereas in English there are clusters beginning with plosives: bleed / breed, train / drain. Consequently, the students should be interested in the study of both English and their natural languages. This will enhance their understanding of the permitted sound combinations in each language.