This book serves, to some extent, as both a theoretical and descriptive reference work. It is organized into four main sections: Phonetics, Phonology, Tonology, and Specific African Sound Patterns. Through concrete examples, it examines and compares a wide range of fundamental and contemporary issues that are highly relevant to anyone engaged in the study of language, linguistics, or related disciplines.

The book provides essential tools and methods used in phonological study and analysis, offering an overview of modern phonological theories. It explores key phonological processes such as vowel harmony, assimilation, dissimilation, lenition, and fortition. Prosodic aspects — including tone, stress, pitch, and intonation — are also discussed in detail. In its treatment of tonology, the book addresses topics such as tonal analysis, tonal behaviour, and rule formulation. Special emphasis is placed on distinctive sound features found in African languages, highlighting their unique phonetic and phonological characteristics.