PHONETIC ADAPTATION OF ENGLISH LOANWORDS: AN ACOUSTIC STUDY OF LINGUISTIC VARIATION ACROSS EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUNDS

Abstract

This research focuses on the acoustic analysis of English loanwords in the speech of both educated and uneducated Punjabi speakers. It investigates how uneducated speakers modify the pronunciation of English loanwords within Punjabi phonology. The study employs a qualitative research design, collecting data from 52 native Punjabi speakers residing in Gujranwala. Data collection proceeded through two phases: initial focus group discussions and interviews where relevant words were selected, followed by pronunciation sessions involving three educated and uneducated Punjabi speakers for each word, recorded and analyzed using PRAAT software. Analysis reveals that uneducated speakers adapt English loanwords by altering monophthongs, and diphthongs, and employing epenthesis in syllable-initial and final consonant clusters. Short vowels are lengthened, and English diphthongs are simplified to align with Punjabi phonology. Notably, consonant clusters are declusterized due to Punjabi's phonotactic constraints. The study highlights how the influence of Punjabi shapes these adaptations, contrasting with patterns observed in educated speakers who tend to maintain closer phonetic fidelity to standard English. This research contributes insights valuable for English language learners and educators, aiding in pronunciation accuracy and error identification. It underscores the impact of mother tongue influence on pronunciation adaptation processes.