Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The influence of the mother tongue on the learning of English language among Igbo-speaking learners in selected secondary schools is a critical area of study in the field of education. This research aims to investigate the extent to which the Igbo language impacts the learning process of English as a second language for students in secondary schools. The study will focus on exploring how the use of the mother tongue, Igbo language, in the learning environment affects the acquisition of English language skills such as speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Surveys and questionnaires will be distributed to students and teachers to gather information on their perceptions of the influence of the mother tongue on English language learning. Additionally, interviews and classroom observations will be conducted to provide in-depth insights into the actual experiences and practices related to the use of the mother tongue in English language learning. The selected secondary schools for this study will be located in Igbo-speaking communities to ensure a homogeneous sample of participants. The research will consider factors such as the language proficiency levels of the students in both Igbo and English, the teaching methods used by educators, and the availability of resources for language learning in the schools. By examining these factors, the study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the influence of the mother tongue on English language learning among Igbo-speaking learners. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature on language learning and bilingual education, particularly in the context of Nigeria. The results will have implications for language policy and curriculum development in secondary schools with a diverse linguistic population. By understanding the role of the mother tongue in English language learning, educators can better tailor their teaching strategies to meet the needs of Igbo-speaking students and enhance their overall language proficiency. Overall, this research seeks to shed light on the complex relationship between the mother tongue and second language acquisition, specifically focusing on the learning of English among Igbo-speaking learners in selected secondary schools.

Thesis Overview

 
Background to the Study
 
Language is the most distinctive human quality and attribute. Language ischaracterized by a set of vocal sounds which can be decoded. Language does notexist in a vacuum. It is always contextualized. There is a relationship betweenlanguage and society. The importance of the relationship between language andsociety cannot be over-emphasized in the education of a child. Language is a guideto social reality. English language is one of the languages used in îigeria.English language has become a valuable legacy of the !ritish which has provided îigerians with yet another means of expressing their culture. Englishlanguage is îigeria”s official language #$dedime%i& ‘(()*. English language performs numerous functions in îigeria. It serves as lingua franca. It is thelanguage of instruction& language of constitution& language of nationalism& media&+overnment& education among others. This is bB education among others. This is because îigeria is a multilingualcountry and English language serves as a lin, among the people.English language is introduced to a child from the fourth year of primaryschool up to the university level #îla%ide& ‘(î(*. This is clearly stated in section / paragraph î0& subsection on primary education& ‘((/ of the 1ederal republic of  îigeria”s national policy on education.

In îigeria& much importance is attached to English language. It occupies avital role in the educational system& such importance could be seen in terms of thefunctions English language perform in îigeria. It is an act of political expedienceand in addition& it helps to remove the fear of ethnical domination. The practicaloral aspect of English language becomes even more important for the purpose of interaction and articulation in our day to day use of the language.1urthermore& the use of English language paved way for participation atnational and international levels. To be able to participate in the social& politicaland economical life of the country& one must be able to understand and use Englishlanguage effectively and efficiently. English language is used for vertical mobility#$dedime%i& ‘(()*. It enables one to move from a lower social class to higher one.It is the language of prestige not because the users are more intelligent than theilliterates but because they can spea, it. 3o it has become a language of personality#$dedime%i& ‘(()*. The role of English language in îigeria stresses the need for  îigerians to learn& understand and ma,e use of English language proficiently.There is no doubt that interference is the ma%or effect of mother tongue languageon English language.

Interference has been observed as a cogent influence that mother tonguelanguage has on English language. 3ources of the interferences therefore could be phonology- #a science which deals with the study of sounds in language* that ishow different sounds or phonemes are combined. 4orphology #this deals with thecombination of morphemes to form words& morpheme is the smallest indivisibleunit of a language that has a significant meaning*. 3yntax #the arrangement of words in a language according to rules*. The concern of this pro%ect is on the phonological aspect of English language #oral English*.