An appraisal of the mother tongue for early child education in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-220
Author(s):  
Babatunji Hezekiah Adepoju
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Target Language ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Nigerian Child ◽  
Child Education ◽  
The Rich

Abstract This article provides an overview of the use of the mother tongue (MT) in child education in the Nigerian context. We explicate previous government efforts at focusing on the native language as a means of improving learning in the early years, particularly in training the Nigerian child. We also address the obstacles to government's attempts at de-emphasising the place of English in the Nigerian polity. Without doubt, the English language is regarded by the citizenry as the language of now and the future. The belief is that school-age children and their parents are more comfortable with English than any other language. The policy of the adoption of an indigenous language as the instruction medium in the lower primary school is at variance with parents' desire to make their children speak English as the first language (L1). Our recommendation is that uniformity of policy implementation will reduce conflicts as the schools of the rich/elites and non-fee-paying government schools are made to employ the same medium to instruct the pupils. The above claims are supported by preliminary findings from observations, data from the administered questionnaire and interviews conducted to determine people's attitude towards the use of English and/or indigenous languages in the education of the child. Following Krashen's theory of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), which highlights the significance of exposure to and interaction in the target language, we conclude that, if English language remains the medium of instruction in the classroom, Nigeria and other African nations with similar linguistic complexities will be saved from further confusion and inconsistencies in educational policies, even as the MT will still function in other aspects of national life.

scholarly journals Second Language Acquisition and Mother Tongue Influence of English Language Learners – A Psycho Analytic Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.36) ◽  
pp. 497
Author(s):  
A. Delbio ◽  
R. Abilasha ◽  
M. Ilankumaran
Keyword(s):  
English Language Learners ◽  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
First Language ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Second Language Learner

Language is a tool used to convey one’s thoughts, feelings and needs. Mother tongue is the language acquired by everyone ever since his birth. A learner encounters mother tongue influence while learning or speaking a foreign language or target language. Mother tongue influence is something that affects a person’s thought process in a sense that he thinks in mother tongue and expresses in English or a second language. People use incorrect pronunciation of words while communicating in English language as they are influenced by the sound patterns of their mother tongue. A second language learner has an unconscious preference to convey his customs from his first language to the target language. The influence of mother tongue has become a significant region and is generally referred to as ‘Language Interference’. Every language learner comes across this issue. Students, sometimes, use words from their parent language while communicating in English. This paper speaks about the difficulties faced by the learners of the second language and the causes of first language influence. This paper attempts to bring out the ways to avoid the overwhelmed influence of mother tongue and gives some notions to the students to develop their second language skills.  

scholarly journals Principled Eclecticism in the Classroom: Exploring the use of Alternative Methodologies in ELT

2021 ◽  
pp. 212-228
Author(s):  
Thomas Brett
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
English Language ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Dynamic Learning ◽  
Eclectic Approach

For a century, English language teaching has, for the main part, discarded behaviorist-inspired methodologies such as the Audio-lingual method for constructivist approaches characterized by the Communicative Approach. Exploring the tension between behaviorist/constructivist dichotomies and searching for common ground between the two schools of thought can give rise to alternative approaches. A ‘Principled Eclectic Approach’ to language teaching is one way whereby a pluralism of methodologies is favored in the pursuit of more effective Second Language Acquisition. Using Brown’s Post-Method Principles (2002) and Mellow’s Two Dimensional Model and Centring Principle (2002) as a guide and point of reference, teachers can gauge their approach and effectiveness in a more dynamic learning environment. A two-part research study aimed to introduce a more Principled Eclectic Approach to academic English language instruction in higher education. Firstly, translation aimed to let students bring their mother tongue into the classroom. The rationale for this exercise being that the more meaningful the encounter with the target language, the better the acquisition. The second experiment looked to use music as a way to create a more relaxed learning environment during reading comprehension activities. The premise being that we acquire language better when we are relaxed. Feedback from the study revealed that the content was balanced, coherent, met the needs of the learner and the needs of the wider syllabus. Students were positive when taking part in the lessons as they believed that the methodologies tested helped them with their English acquisition. Subsequently, they wanted further exposure to these methodologies.

scholarly journals Principled Eclecticism in the Classroom: Exploring the use of Alternative Methodologies in ELT

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Brett
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
English Language ◽  
Common Ground ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Dynamic Learning ◽  
Eclectic Approach

For a century, English language teaching has, for the main part, discarded behaviorist-inspired methodologies such as the Audio-lingual method for constructivist approaches characterized by the Communicative Approach. Exploring the tension between behaviorist/constructivist dichotomies and searching for common ground between the two schools of thought can give rise to alternative approaches. A ‘Principled Eclectic Approach’ to language teaching is one way whereby a pluralism of methodologies is favored in the pursuit of more effective Second Language Acquisition. Using Brown’s Post-Method Principles (2002) and Mellow’s Two Dimensional Model and Centring Principle (2002) as a guide and point of reference, teachers can gauge their approach and effectiveness in a more dynamic learning environment. A two-part research study aimed to introduce a more Principled Eclectic Approach to academic English language instruction in higher education. Firstly, translation aimed to let students bring their mother tongue into the classroom. The rationale for this exercise being that the more meaningful the encounter with the target language, the better the acquisition. The second experiment looked to use music as a way to create a more relaxed learning environment during reading comprehension activities. The premise being that we acquire language better when we are relaxed. Feedback from the study revealed that the content was balanced, coherent, met the needs of the learner and the needs of the wider syllabus. Students were positive when taking part in the lessons as they believed that the methodologies tested helped them with their English acquisition. Subsequently, they wanted further exposure to these methodologies.

scholarly journals Second Language Acquisition Through Neurolinguistic Programming: A Psychoanalytic Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4.36) ◽  
pp. 624
Author(s):  
A. Delbio ◽  
M. Ilankumaran
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The Brain

English is the only lingua-franca for the whole world in present age of globalization and liberalization. English language is considered as an important tool to acquire a new and technical information and knowledge. In this situation English learners and teachers face a lot of problems psychologically. Neuro linguistic studies the brain mechanism and the performance of the brain in linguistic competences. The brain plays a main role in controlling motor and sensory activities and in the process of thinking. Studies regarding development of brain bring some substantiation for psychological and anatomical way of language development. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) deals with psychological and neurological factors. It also deals with the mode of brain working and the way to train the brain to achieve the purpose. Many techniques are used in the NLP. It improves the fluency and accuracy in target language. It improves non-native speaker to improve the LSRW skills.  This paper brings out the importance of the NLP in language learning and teaching. It also discusses the merits and demerits of the NLP in learning. It also gives the solution to overcome the problems and self-correction is motivated through neuro-linguistic programming.   

scholarly journals A Review of Negative Language Transfer Regarding the Errors in English Writing in Chinese Colleges

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 603
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Yang
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Transfer ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Chinese Learners ◽  
Major Section

It is generally recognized that English as a Second Language is popular with language learners in China. As a major section of language learning, English writing often takes on an important role in English language learning for Chinese students. Many learners would be easily impeded by their mother tongue, Chinese and would therefore make some mistakes from time to time when it comes to writing in English. This is a pervasive phenomenon in the field of Second Language Acquisition research. Based on the relevant theories of Language Transfer, Negative Language Transfer, and Error Analysis, in terms of global research, especially in China, the current review focuses on the errors caused by the negative language transfer, and chiefly tries to probe into the suggestions to avoid such negative transfer influences in English writing among Chinese learners.

scholarly journals Krashen Revisited: Case Study of the Role of Input, Motivation and Identity in Second Language Learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Bailey ◽  
Ahmed Kadhum Fahad
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Target Language

Stephen Krashen has a long and enduring legacy in the field of second language acquisition. His “Input Hypothesis” was among the very first attempts to create a coherent theoretical account of second language learning. Krashen argued that learners can acquire language through the process of comprehending it. While elements of his model have been extensively critiqued, this idea has endured and offers teachers a clear mandate to provide learners with abundant opportunities to making meaning of the target language. Utilizing a case study of an English language learner, Krashen’s model is challenged and enriched by considering the role that motivation and identity play in learning. Teachers tapping into an important source of learner motivation, role models drawn from the local community or broader society, can inspire and energize students’ studies and help them visualize a life in which a second language plays a vital role. Building upon Krashen’s idea of the importance of language teachers and programs creating robust reading programs for a sustained engagement with second language print resources, the authors propose to expand his vision and include all manner of multimedia and technologies. However, such a program can only succeed if teachers mediate their learners’ social identities and motivations for sustained second language learning.

scholarly journals Translation in EFL Classroom

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-117
Author(s):  
Arta TOÇI
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
First Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
East European ◽  
History Of Research ◽  
History Of

Throughout much of the history of research into second language acquisition (SLA), the role of learners’ first language (L1) has been a hotly debated issue. Prodromou (2000) refers to the mother tongue as a ‘skeleton in the closet’, while Gabrielatos (2001) calls it a ‘bone of contention’. Such views are but a mere reflection of the different methodological shifts in English Language Teaching, which have brought about new and different outlooks on the role of the mother tongue. The conflict itself is taking place in academic circles rather than in classrooms, where the use of L1 is still considered unacceptable owing to the predominance of the communicative method in language teaching.   Research on the role that mother tongue has for the non-native learners of English has been conducted around the world, however none in North Macedonia. This research aims to explore some of the controversy regarding the use of the student’s first language (L1), as well as to suggest translation activities as a beneficial tool for the students of South East European University in Tetovo, North Macedonia. It also provides insights into native language interference in the process of translating from students’ mother tongue into English, and vs.

scholarly journals Integrating Cloud World Synergy in ELT to Adults: Perspectives of Handheld Technologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdulgalil Abugohar ◽  
Kamariah Yunus ◽  
Ghaleb Rabab'ah ◽  
Tarig Awad Eltahir Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
The Rich

<p>The outcomes of modern technology have turned real-world interaction into a virtual community, then into a cloud one. These giant leaps aided by the excitement created by the possibilities inherent in learning through handheld technologies made using mobile devices in English language teaching (ELT) indispensable. This paper is aimed to deeply overview available handheld technologies and their features that can enable teachers in their mission. It investigates the synergy of a group of mobile devices of smartphones, tablets, iPods, iPads, E-readers, and classroom response systems, among others. These devices have been effective in everyday activities, and are expected to enrich ELT, especially in communities where there is a lack of community of practice (CoP) on the target language. To this aim, this paper was cored around reviewing the potential handheld technologies have in language classrooms. The main data were obtained from the rich body of literature, shedding more light on their properties in creating interactive communication in and out of classrooms. The findings revealed that handheld technologies can be successfully integrated into English language teaching and learning. Pedagogically, teachers are encouraged to exploit mobile devices into their classroom practices after closely testing their specifications, and scanning their advantages and shortcomings.</p>

Environmental Aspects of Successful English Language Teaching Practices in Rural Sabah Low Enrolment Schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Norazrina Ag-Ahmad ◽  
Bernadette Peter Lidadun
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Environmental Aspects

This study explores the environmental aspects or concepts underlying successful English Language Teaching (ELT) as well as the support needed and the challenges that are faced by a group of primary school teachers in the context of a low enrolment school in a rural area in Sabah, Malaysia. This study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach which involved seven English language teachers who have had more than five years of teaching experience. A set of semi-structured interview questions were formulated to elicit data on the  concepts and the conditions that could either help or hinder the incorporation of those concepts in ELT. Qualitative analysis of participants’ interview data indicated that exposure to the target language, motivation and goals were the environmental aspects of language teaching practices that   affect students’ success in second language acquisition. Support from   parents, teachers and school authorities were essential in     assimilating these aspects in the teaching practices. It was found that the participants expressed tension between what they believed to be good practices and what they were restricted to do due to contextual barriers. Among the main barriers identified in this study were changes in education policy, insufficient financial support and infrastructure as well as lack of monitoring of the execution of activities in schools. Findings in this study have important implications to policy makers and curriculum developers.

STRATEGIES FOR ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (23) ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeti Singh
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
English Teacher ◽  
Ideal Model ◽  
Government Schools ◽  
Regional Language ◽  
English Pronunciation ◽  
Correct Pronunciation ◽  
Main Language ◽  
Lying Down

Rajasthan is basically a Hindi speaking state, in government offices and schools Hindi is main language, very few people use written and spoken form of English. Those who use English are not efficiently using it. Therefore it is an urgent requirement to study status of English pronunciation and also to suggest strategies for improving English standard (Pronunciation) in government schools of Rajasthan, here people speaks many languages and dialects. So, the correct pronunciation of the words is a major problem in teaching second language because the pronunciation is greatly influenced by the regional language and dialect. The sounds of words which are not used in the mother tongue, is difficult to pronounce correctly. The teacher should provide appropriate situation and opportunities to the students by imitating the words, by using lingua phone and language laboratory, drill technique in classroom the skill of correct pronunciation can be developed among the students. This paper will suggest various strategies for correct pronunciation of words in government schools of Rajasthan. Although the content given is of basic nature but should necessary be taken seriously by them. In order to improve correct pronunciation and their by help in upbringing the standard of English language in government schools of Rajasthan. The faculty of speech is a natural gift. Education plays an important role to polish and improve the speech in our schools. It provides various opportunities to its natural development. So the teacher is an ideal model before the students. Therefore an English teacher should be more careful to his own pronunciation for lying down the correct speech habits of his students.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document