Nigerian learners of English as the second language do better in written as compared to when they speak. Mainly, their pronunciations do not rhyme with what they write. Thus, the focus of this research paper is to propose the need to analyze the attitudes and motivation of Igbo natives to learn English as their second Language. The proposal takes into account the definitions of related terms, the literature review that surrounds second language learning and the various factors that affect the same across the world, as well as the methods that are intended to be used to establish the outcome of the study. In its conclusion, the paper summarizes the reasons for the choice of topic and methods of collecting and analyzing data, as well as the potential outcome.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Literature Review
3.0 Research Questions
3.1 What is the motivation for learning English as a second language for Igbo native speakers?
3.2 How do the learners’ learning styles affect their attitudes towards learning English?
3.3 What causes disconnection between Igbo natives written and spoke English knowledge?
4.0 Conceptual Framework
5.0 Methodology
5.1 Population and sampling
5.2 Data Analysis
5.3 Ethics and Safety
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this research is to investigate the underlying motivations and attitudes of Igbo native speakers toward learning English as a second language, specifically addressing the discrepancy between their written and spoken proficiency.
- Analysis of motivational factors (integrative vs. instrumental) among Igbo L2 learners.
- Evaluation of how language attitudes influence second language acquisition outcomes.
- Investigation into the causes of the disconnection between written and spoken English performance.
- Application of Spolsky's model to understand the social and cognitive context of language learning.
- Implementation of structured methodology using the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB).
Excerpt from the Book
1.0 Introduction
The literal prowess of written and spoken English is the ultimate goal of any non-native person seeking to learn the language. Unfortunately, the learning process is quite challenging such that in some instances, learners’ results show a disconnection between written and spoken English. For Igbo L2 learners of English in Nigeria, the written aspect is better performed than the articulation thereof in spoken aspects. Therefore, the urge for many Igbo people to learn English poses the question of what exactly motivates them and shapes their attitudes towards English and not any other language. The knowledge acquired on these posed queries is essential in filling the written to spoken English gap between the Igbo, and the findings can be applied in enhancing second language comprehension in other setups. Notably, it is on the given basis that this paper proposes the research on the motivation and attitude of Igbo L2 learners of English.
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter introduces the research problem, highlighting the disparity in written and spoken English performance among Igbo learners and outlining the necessity for the study.
2.0 Literature Review: This chapter explores global perspectives on second language acquisition, specifically focusing on cognitive and affective factors like motivation and attitude.
3.0 Research Questions: This chapter formalizes the specific inquiries regarding the motivation and learning styles of Igbo speakers.
4.0 Conceptual Framework: This chapter presents Spolsky’s model as the theoretical lens for analyzing the research findings.
5.0 Methodology: This chapter details the research design, including the population sample, data collection using the AMTB, and ethical considerations for the study.
Keywords
Igbo, L2 Learners, English, Motivation, Attitude, Second Language Acquisition, Written Proficiency, Spoken Proficiency, Integrative Motivation, Instrumental Motivation, Spolsky's Model, Nigeria, Language Learning, AMTB, Bilingualism
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on analyzing the attitudes and motivation of Igbo native speakers towards learning English as a second language to understand why there is a discrepancy between their written and spoken abilities.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The paper covers language learning motivation, cognitive and affective factors, social contexts, and the impact of learner attitudes on language proficiency.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary objective is to investigate what motivates Igbo learners and shapes their attitudes, aiming to fill the existing knowledge gap regarding the written-to-spoken English performance gap among this specific demographic.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a stratified random sampling method, the Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB), and data analysis through Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS).
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body examines existing literature on second language acquisition, outlines the specific research questions, applies a conceptual framework based on Spolsky's model, and details the data collection and ethical procedures.
Which keywords define this research?
Key terms include Igbo, L2 learners, motivation, attitude, second language acquisition, and spoken/written English proficiency.
How does Spolsky's model relate to the research?
Spolsky's model is used as the foundational conceptual framework to organize the variables, such as personality, capability, and social context, which influence the results of L2 acquisition.
Why is the Igbo population specifically selected?
The Igbo population is selected because they show a unique disconnect between high performance in written English and lower performance in spoken articulation, providing a specific case for language comprehension study in Nigeria.
What role does the AMTB play in this research?
The Attitude/Motivation Test Battery (AMTB) is used to reliably measure the affective variables of the learners, providing valid quantitative data for the analysis.
How does the research address ethical challenges?
The study plans to engage translators to navigate cultural differences and linguistic nuances to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the research respects the beliefs of the participants.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dr. Amos Wesonga (Autor:in), 2017, Attitudes and Motivation of Igbo L2 learners of English, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/439511