The influence of mother tongue (l1) on the use of English (l2) by (SHS) students at (KSHTS) Patasi-Kumasi

Abstract

This thesis sought to unravel the influence of the native language (Twi) of the students of Kumasi Senior High Technical School (KSHTS), on English language, the L2 of the students, as in the manner in which they speak and write English Language. This research adopted a qualitative approach where interview and written essays were used to obtain data for the study. The population of the study consisted of all the teachers and students of Kumasi Senior High Technical School as a case study. The researcher used non-probability (purposive) sampling technique in selecting the participants of the study. The researcher interviewed some of the teachers. The essays of the students were also sampled using nonprobability sampling technique. The data generated was analyzed using percentage frequency tables and charts. The figures and percentages obtained through the analysis were complemented with the qualitative analysis of the interviews based on the research objectives. The study revealed that students do not think in the L2; their thoughts are always in the L1 and then translate them to the L2. This direct translation leads to errors in their L2 language. The study showed that some teachers speak the native language with their students. All the teachers responded that they encourage their students to speak English and ensure that the students speak good or standard English. In the areas where the L1 interferes with the L2, as observed in the essays of the students, it occurred that direct translation from Twi to English, concord and proposition are main areas the deviations have been observed in the essays of the students. The study established that the errors observed in the essays of the students as revealed in their essays and the views of the teachers are negative transfers from the native language to the L2. The study recommends therefore, that the students should be encouraged to speak English on campus among themselves. Reading habit should also be inculcated in the students to help them improve upon their English.