An acoustic assessment of Setswana vowels

Abstract

This article probes into the acoustic analysis of the vowels of Setswana. The discussion is conducted against the background of the existing data presented in textbooks and other sources which are articulatory in nature and are based on auditive perceptions. An acoustic analysis is found to give much more reliable data towards the final positions of the Setswana vowels on a vowel chart. These findings lead to a more accurate and scientifically supported classification and description of the Setswana vowels.