The research project is an integrated study of final vowel lengths in Hausa, a widely spoken language of Nigeria and Niger, one of the rarer languages of the world with contrastive length in word final position. The findings should throw light on the structure of the lexicon, contribute to a deeper understanding of shortening, lengthening, and neutralization processes in the morphosyntactic component of the grammar, and provide instrumentally determined descriptions of these differences operating at various levels of the language. The study will contribute to current interest in the theoretical status of length in phonology by providing a comprehensive case study on which to test such notions. Dr. Newman's interactive activities will include teaching courses in her specializations (Hausa language and lexicography), supervising graduate students in Hausa linguistics, presenting guest lectures at various forums, and generally providing a role model to the female academic community as a scientist working in a subfield of linguistics where women tend to be underrepre- sented. This project furthers VPW program objectives which are (1) to provide opportunities for women to advance their careers in engineering and in the disciplines of science supported by NSF and (2) to encourage women to pursue careers in science and engineering by providing greater visibility for women scientists and engineers employed in industry, government, and academic institutions. By encouraging the participation of women in science, it is a valuable investment in the Nation's future scientific vitality.
