Merger of /i:/ and /I/ in Pakistani English

Abstract

In Asian Englishes, it is observed that the two front vowels /i:/ and /I/ are not distinguished as two different phonemes. The researchers have revealed that the two vowels are merged in local varieties of English (Hung, 2000; Deterding, 2007; Gonzalez & Alberca, 1978 as cited in Bautista & Gonzalez, 2006; Zuraidah, 2000 as cited in Bautista & Gonzalez, 2006). This study is conducted to observe whether the distinction between /i:/ and /I/ is maintained in Pakistani English. 40 subjects (20 male and 20 female) were recorded using minimal pairs in a career phrase. Praat was used for measuring formant values and durational properties of the two vowels. The conclusions were drawn that there was no merger of the two vowels in Pakistani English as was observed in other varieties of Asian Englishes.