ENHANCING THE TEACHING OF FRENCH LANGUAGE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

The role of French Language in the economy of Nigeria as a nation is of great importance. More importantly, as Nigeria is surrounded by francophone countries. The integration and co-operation of these countries together with Nigeria in order to strengthen bilateral relationships, address socio-politico, cultural and other international issues are of great and paramount importance. All these may not be effectively realized without an effective communication amongst the countries with French language. We are of strong view that if French Language is strengthened and effectively taught in primary schools, the objectives highlighted above will, to a large extent, be achieved. The strengthening of the teaching of modern European languages such as French at the primary school level forms a strong foundation for the acquisition of the language at both secondary and tertiary levels. In this work therefore, we shall critically examine the place of French as a foreign language in Nigeria as a nation, its benefits to the country, effective methods of teaching French language in primary schools, roles of the teachers and learners respectively towards enhancing French Language teaching in primary schools. Keneman and Elizabeth Pedoya’s theory of poem as a veritable tool for the teaching of French phonetics is examined in this work and also suggested as means in enhancing the teaching of French language in primary schools. It is strongly believed that if the theory of poem propounded by these theorists is adopted and implemented in primary schools, the teaching of French language in primary schools will be greatly enhanced.