DIALECTAL VARIATIONS IN LEBLANGO: THE CASE OF LIRA, OTUKE AND ALEBTONG DIALECTS
Loading...
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gulu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study, which is within the field of sociolinguistics, aimed at examining the dialectal
variation in Leblango, considering the case of Lira City, Otuke and Alebtong districts.
According to Shareah et al. (2015), dialectal variation refers to differences in speech patterns
within the same language, often influenced by geographic, social, and cultural factors. These
variations can manifest themselves in pronunciation (phonology), vocabulary (lexicon), and
grammar (syntax). Over time, different regions or communities develop distinct dialects, even
though they share a common language. The study sought to establish phonological, lexical and
grammatical variations in Leblango. It used cross-sectional and descriptive designs, guided by
a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive and simple random
sampling techniques were used to identify participants from Lira City, Otuke and Alebtong
districts. The study used a questionnaire survey, conversational module guide and focus group
discussion guide (which involved pronouncing a list of Leblango words and reading sentences,
and writing an essay) meant to determine the different levels of variations typical of each
district. These instruments of data collection provided both qualitative and quantitative data.
The data was analysed using the Microsoft Exel, and content analysis which took care of the
qualitative data. The study found out that there were variations in Leblango regarding how
certain words are pronounced, the use of particular words and grammatical aspects. This study
was grounded in Labov’s (1963) Variationist Sociolinguistics theory and Chambers and
Trudgill’s (2004) Dialectal Continuum theory. The study recommends that future studies on
Leblango should focus on its syntax, tense behavior, and nominal structures. Additionally,
teaching efforts should prioritize correct spelling, as some irregularities were notable in
participants’ essays, while others stem from a lack of knowledge about proper forms.