Some linguistic problems of Yoruba learners in Nigeria

Abstract

Most studies on why second language learners have difficulties acquiring English have focussed on sociolinguistic problems with the use of extraneous factors like environment, educational level, social background, occupation, etc. as yardsticks. But, only a few works have examined the language itself with a view to discovering whether the language has compounded the problem due to its unique characteristics and peculiar nature. In this paper, efforts are made to explore the English language with a view to highlighting some of its unique features that may make its acquisition somehow difficult for Yoruba learners of English in Nigeria. This may be as a result of significant differences of English from the major Nigerian indigenous languages, most especially the Yoruba language. Major language teaching theories were reviewed in order to situate them properly in the teaching of English in a second language environment (ES LE) like Nigeria.