A Morpho-Phonological Analysis of Reduplication in Okobo

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive morpho-phonological analysis of reduplication in the Okobo language, concentrating on the sound changes that occur in reduplicated forms. Utilizing the framework of lexical phonology, the research demonstrates that reduplication in Okobo is governed by ordered levels at which both morphological and phonological processes are applied. The study explores two primary types of reduplication: total reduplication, exemplified by forms such as ‘Ùdíók ùdíók’ and partial reduplication, as seen in ‘Nènék. By applying lexical phonology, the research aims to shed light on the morphological and phonological processes that operate at different levels of reduplication and how these processes influence underlying morphological form. Data for this study were collected through in-depth interviews with native speakers, and a qualitative research methodology was employed to analyze the data. The findings of this research reveal that reduplication in Okobo involves several morphological adjustments in alignment with specific phonological processes like vowel harmony,  deletion, nasalization, labialization, homogancity and weakening  along with tonal processes like tonal copying and tonal replacement. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of how phonological and morphological interactions shape reduplication patterns in Okobo and offers insights into the broader implications for lexical phonology as a morphophonological  theory