English Language as a Personality Marker among Senior Secondary School Students in Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria (Published)
The state of English language as a personality marker was investigated among senior secondary school students in Owerri zone, Imo State Nigeria. Study data were collected by means of a structured and pre-tested questionnaire based on Likert 5-point ratings. Mann-Whitney method was used to analyse the data by estimating mean scores. Results showed that sampled students felt happier in using English in their communications than their mother language, Igbo (L1). Findings showed that English language use by the sampled students promoted their ego among their peers who find it difficult to communicate in English language. Finally, the study provided high evidence to demonstrate that Senior Secondary School Students learning English in Owerri zone use ability to communicate in English as personality marker. The study recommended that learners’ immediate, short-term interests such as elevating their status through learning English language should be carefully monitored and channeled to their long-term goals so as to avoid possible negative effect on learners’ personality changes
Keywords: Ethnicity, Igbo Language, Learning, Personality, Second Language
Influence of Learning English on Identity Switch among Senior Secondary School Students in Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated the influence of learning English on identity switch among senior secondary school students in Owerri zone, Imo State Nigeria. Data for the study were collected by means of a structured and pre-tested questionnaire based on Likert 5-point ratings. The data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney method of estimating mean scores. Results showed that students are more elated using English in their communications than Igbo, their first language (L1). Findings showed that the influence of English on the cultural identity of the respondents is such that many feel uncomfortable in the midst of their compatriots who do not speak English. Finally, the study demonstrated that Students learning English in Owerri zone switch their identities to suit the target language. The study recommended that productive bilingualism can serve as an educational objective, where teachers may simultaneously cultivate learners’ intrinsic interest, and positive attitudes and beliefs associated with the target language and culture on one hand, and the native language (Igbo) and culture on the other hand.
Keywords: Culture, Ethnicity, Identity, Learning, Second Language
Influence of Learning English on Identity Switch among Senior Secondary School Students in owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated the influence of learning English on identity switch among senior secondary school students in Owerri zone, Imo State Nigeria. Data for the study were collected by means of a structured and pre-tested questionnaire based on Likert 5-point ratings. The data were analyzed by using Mann-Whitney method of estimating mean scores. Results showed that students are more elated using English in their communications than Igbo, their first language (L1). Findings showed that the influence of English on the cultural identity of the respondents is such that many feel uncomfortable in the midst of their compatriots who do not speak English. Finally, the study demonstrated that Students learning English in Owerri zone switch their identities to suit the target language. The study recommended that productive bilingualism can serve as an educational objective, where teachers may simultaneously cultivate learners’ intrinsic interest, and positive attitudes and beliefs associated with the target language and culture on one hand, and the native language (Igbo) and culture on the other hand.
Keywords: Culture, Ethnicity, Identity, Learning, Second Language