Abstract

This study examines phonological changes in Tiv and English through a comparative analysis, focusing on their causes, implications, and possible solutions. The background highlights the dynamic nature of phonology in both languages, with Tiv, a Benue-Congo language, undergoing significant shifts due to internal and external influences, while English exhibits well-documented phonological evolution. The problem arises from insufficient comparative studies on these changes, leading to gaps in understanding their linguistic and sociolinguistic impacts. The aim is to investigate, identify, compare, and analyse phonological changes in Tiv and English, exploring their causes and implications. Objectives include identifying phonological changes in Tiv, investigating factors driving these changes, assessing their effects, comparing them with English, and proposing solutions. The study adopts a qualitative approach, utilising descriptive and comparative analysis of primary and secondary linguistic data. The theoretical framework employed is generative phonology and historical linguistics propounded by Chomsky and Halle (1968). The findings reveal that phonological changes in Tiv result from language contact, education, and dialectal variation, affecting lexical and grammatical structures. A comparative analysis with English shows similarities in sound shifts but differences in causative factors. The study suggests standardised orthography and language education as solutions. Significantly, this research contributes to phonological theory, language preservation, and educational policy. Recommendations include promoting Tiv linguistic research, integrating indigenous languages into curricula, and fostering community awareness. The study concludes that phonological changes, while inevitable, require strategic interventions to maintain linguistic integrity.