The impacts of the usage of substandard English on standard English a case study of Ave Senior High School

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the impacts of Ave Senior High School students’ usage of Substandard English (SSE) on their Standard English (SE). Using both descriptive and qualitative research designs, a cross section of 100 students and 8 teachers were randomly drawn from Ave Senior High School. Also, well vetted questionnaires consisting of students’ and teachers’ demographics, questionnaire on the purpose for which students use SSE, the extent at which students use SSE, interview questions guide on the effects of the usage of SSE on SE and the frequency at which students use SSE. There was also interview questions that was designed to source data from the teachers on their observations and perceptions on students use of SSE. These were used to collect data from students and teachers who agreed to partake in the study in classrooms, and staff common room. The findings were discussed within the framework of the Usage-based Theory, Krashen’s Monitor Model of language acquisition and other relevant reviewed literature. The study’s findings which indicated that consistent use of SSE negatively impacts students’ performance in SE contradicts Omari (2010), and Amuzu and Asinyor (2016) conclusion that there is no correlation between students use of SSE and their poor performance in SE. Limitations and recommendations for further studies were however also discussed.