TASAMBO JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND CULTURE ISSN 2757-6730 (Print) ISSN 2782-8182 (Online) A Publication of the Department of Languages and Cultures, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara, Nigeria DOI: 10.36349/tjllc.2023.v02i01.002 Volume 2 | Issue 1 | May 2023 | Cite this article as: Umar, M.A. (2023). Investigating the Hausa Students' Familiarity and Satisfaction with the Applicability and Efficiency of X-SAMPA for Transcribing African Languages. Tasambo Journal of Language, Literature, and Culture, (2)1, 9-17. www.doi.org/10.36349/tjllc.2023.v02i01.002 9 Open Access Investigating the Hausa Students' Familiarity and Satisfaction with the Applicability and Efficiency of X-SAMPA for Transcribing African Languages Muhammad Arabi UMAR 1 1 Department of Languages and Cultures, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria Abstract: This article investigates the applicability and efficiency of the X- SAMPA phonetic transcription system for African languages, with a particular focus on the Hausa language. The study aims to assess the familiarity and proficiency of final-year Hausa language students in using X-SAMPA to transcribe Hausa speech sounds accurately. Data for the study was collected through electronic questionnaires distributed to final-year Hausa language students at different universities in Nigeria. The study findings indicate that X- SAMPA is a valuable tool for transcribing the Hausa language, as it provides a standardized and simplified transcription system that can be used across different research works. However, many Hausa language students were unfamiliar with X-SAMPA and required more training to become proficient in its use. Lack of time and practice opportunities were identified as the primary barriers to learning X-SAMPA. The study concludes that X-SAMPA has the potential for wider usage in phonetic transcription of African languages, but more resources such as written or video tutorials and practice exercises are needed to help learners become proficient in its use. Based on the research findings, the article recommends organizing training workshops or courses to enhance the knowledge of Hausa language students interested in learning X-SAMPA. Keywords: X-SAMPA, IPA, TAM, transcription, an African language Processing History: Processed: 20/02/2023 Accepted: 16/03/2023 Published: 05/05/2023 The Journal’s Home Page: https://www.tasambo.com Corresponding Author: Muhammad A. UMAR arabiumar@fugusau.edu.ng Copyright: Provided that the author(s) and the source are credited, noncommercial use of the article is allowed, including printing and distribution. Introduction X-SAMPA (Extended Speech Assessment Methods Phonetic Alphabet) is a standardized set of phonetic symbols commonly utilized in speech research, linguistic documentation, and computer- mediated communication. It is often preferred over the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) due to its compactness and ease of typing, making it a convenient tool for transcription in various languages. This research aims to explore the applicability and efficacy of X-SAMPA for transcribing African languages, with a specific focus on the Hausa language and final-year Hausa language students. Hausa is a significant language spoken in West Africa and is among the most widely spoken languages in the region. The investigation will evaluate the students' familiarity with X-SAMPA and their proficiency in using it to transcribe Hausa speech sounds precise. Furthermore, the study aims to examine