Project Abstract

Language attitudes among teenagers play a crucial role in shaping their language use and interactions. This research project aims to investigate the attitudes of teenagers towards different languages and dialects, and how these attitudes impact their language behavior and communication patterns. The study will focus on examining the preferences, perceptions, and stereotypes that teenagers hold towards various languages, including their native language, regional dialects, and foreign languages. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews to gather data from a diverse group of teenagers. The survey will be designed to assess teenagers' language preferences, perceived language prestige, and attitudes towards different languages and dialects. The interviews will provide a deeper understanding of the reasons behind teenagers' language attitudes, as well as their experiences with language use in different social contexts. One of the key objectives of this research is to explore how language attitudes among teenagers are influenced by factors such as social identity, peer groups, media, and education. By understanding the underlying reasons for teenagers' language attitudes, this study aims to shed light on the complex interplay between language, identity, and social dynamics in adolescence. Furthermore, the research will examine the impact of language attitudes on teenagers' language choices and communication styles. It will investigate whether teenagers' positive or negative attitudes towards certain languages or dialects lead to language maintenance or shift, as well as the role of language attitudes in shaping intergroup communication and relationships among teenagers. The findings of this research project are expected to have implications for language education, language policy, and intercultural communication among teenagers. By gaining insights into teenagers' language attitudes and behaviors, educators and policymakers can develop more effective language programs that take into account teenagers' linguistic diversity and preferences. Moreover, understanding the role of language attitudes in intergroup communication can help promote tolerance, respect, and inclusivity among teenagers from different linguistic backgrounds. In conclusion, this research project seeks to contribute to the existing literature on language attitudes and their impact on teenagers' language use and interactions. By exploring the complex relationship between language attitudes, identity, and social dynamics, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of language in shaping teenagers' social interactions and relationships.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

In the time past, language attitudes has been analyzed and debated upon with respect to how languages can be endangered, and how they can die. The two main points to be considered in this research are: attitude and language, and how teenagers manipulate them.

Attitude is defined as the way that one thinks and feels about somebody or something, the way that one behaves towards somebody or something that shows how one thinks and feels. While language is defined as the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular country. Also, another dictionary definition of language is a particular style of speaking or writing.

So for the purpose of further development and preservation of the Ibibio Language, this research is going to be concerned with the behaviour exhibited by teenagers In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State particularly those in the Uyo Local Government Area of the State to their indigenous language

1.2 Significance and Scope of the Study

The study “language attitudes among teenagers and its effects” is a study of how language is being approached and manipulated by teenagers in Uyo district of Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, for their day-to-day interaction, fellowship and relationship.

1.3 Purpose of this Study

This research aims at seeing why teenagers behave the way they do to language (what influence and inform the behaviour so exhibited to language), see the effect of their behaviour on their indigenous language, and proffer possible solutions aimed at internalizing the language in the minds of these teenagers thereby preserving the language.

1.4 Methodology

In analyzing various related texts in relation to this field, a socio-linguistic method of approach is used in examining the behaviour or attitudes exhibited by teenagers in Uyo Local Government Area of AkwaIbom State to their indigenous language vis-à-vis English and pidgin.

Also, questionnaires are used in the observation of their attitude to language as a means of data collection.

1.5 Statement of the Problem

Most language users do not see the language that they speak as a definition of their race, their culture, and their personality. Negligence, ignorance and quest to follow the current trend have left Africans in general and Nigerians in particular far from their root – their source/who they really are.

So in this research, ways in which we have drifted from our culture (through the embracing of a foreign language) are being elaborated upon, and suggestions on how to reposition our attitude to our indigenous language are made explicit.