A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE TONE SYSTEMS OF IBIBIO AND IGBO

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating tone in Ibibio, a Lower Cross language 
and Igbo a Benue Congo language. The specific objectives are to identify 
the types of tone level that they have. It further examines the tonotactic 
patterns of the two languages in order to determine their similarities and 
differences. The study adopts the auto-segmental theory of analysis. The 
paper finds out that Ibibio has register and contour tones whereas Igbo 
has only terrace register tone system. Tone in the two languages perform 
lexical and grammatical functions.