Project Abstract

Abstract
The influence of the mother tongue on the learning of the English language among Igbo-speaking learners in selected secondary schools is a critical area of study in the field of language acquisition and education. This research aims to investigate the extent to which the Igbo language, as the mother tongue of the students, affects their proficiency in learning English as a second language. The study will be conducted in selected secondary schools in Igbo-speaking regions to explore the relationship between the use of the mother tongue and English language learning outcomes. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from language proficiency tests and qualitative data from interviews and observations to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The participants will be secondary school students from different grades, teachers, and school administrators who are familiar with the educational context and language practices in the community. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the role of the mother tongue in shaping the learning process of English among Igbo-speaking learners. It is hypothesized that the influence of the mother tongue can have both positive and negative impacts on English language learning. On one hand, the familiarity with the structure and sounds of the Igbo language may facilitate the acquisition of certain aspects of English. On the other hand, the differences in grammar, syntax, and pronunciation between Igbo and English may pose challenges to learners. The implications of this research are significant for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers involved in language education. By understanding how the mother tongue influences English language learning, educators can develop more effective teaching strategies that leverage the students' linguistic background. Curriculum developers can also design language programs that take into account the unique linguistic needs of Igbo-speaking learners, ultimately improving their language proficiency and academic performance. Overall, this research contributes to the existing literature on language acquisition and bilingual education by focusing on the specific context of Igbo-speaking learners in Nigeria. By shedding light on the intricate relationship between the mother tongue and English language learning, this study seeks to enhance educational practices and policies that support the linguistic diversity of students in multicultural societies.

Project 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*.