An Overview of Itu Mbon Uso Consonants

This study attempts a systematic description and classification of Itu Mbon Uso Consonants, using a descriptive framework. This research will provide a background study for the description of Itu Mbon Uso consonants. It aims to establish and provide a detailed study of the consonant sounds available in the Itu Mbon Uso language. Data was collected through primary and secondary sources. The trial version of the Ibadan 400 wordlist was used in data collection. In addition, there was the need to develop short sentences in the language so as to capture the pronunciation of words not found in the 400 wordlist and to show the position of each segment in words. The objective of this research is the need to develop our indigenous languages and save them from extinction, which should begin with the development of the orthography. The study revealed that they are seventeen phonemic and twenty phonetic consonants in Itu Mbon Uso with syllabic features such as aspiration and consonant processes like nasalization and palatalization. Our contribution is the provision of the consonantal inventory of the language which will act as a springboard for the eventual development of orthography for the language. The study is also important documentation of an endangered language, which had hitherto received little attention. It is recommended that research be carried out on the vowel system of the language to ensure an eventual orthography for the language.