IMPACT OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (L1) ON ACQUISITION OF SECOND LANGUAGE (L2) AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN JALINGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE

Abstract

There is no doubt that children face numerous challenges in acquiring language especially second language. Linguists and researchers in the field of education have divergent opinions concerning the functional role of L1 in acquiring L2. This paper undertakes a cursory look at impact of L1 in acquiring L2 among primary school pupils in Jalingo L.G.A of Taraba State. Three (3) research questions and hypotheses guided the study and sixty (60) teachers formed the sample size for the study. Language Background Questionnaire was used for data collection. The study revealed that L1 significantly impact on acquisition of L2 in terms of writing ability, reading ability and speaking ability of the pupils in the study area. The paper concluded that L1 is the pivotal pillar for acquiring L2, and it was recommended among others; that government should provide teaching and learning materials in L2 for all primary schools, and that teachers should encourage children to write, read and speak in L2 as much as possible.