LANGUAGE ATTITUDES AMONG TEENAGERS AND ITS EFFECT

ABSTRACT 

This work seeks to explain the attitudes exhibited by teenagers in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to their Ibibio language.  Most work done in this field is centered on language loss/death.  Therefore, this work will be concerned on the attitudes exhibited by teenagers to their Ibibio Language vis-à-vis English and pidgin and its effect. The framework of this research is based on socio-linguistics approach of Baker (2012) in his work titled: Attitudes and Language. This study is divided into five (5) chapters; chapter one is basically an introduction of the research to be carried out.  Chapter two is the reviewing of relevant and related literatures, chapter three deals with sources of data collection such as questionnaires only.  Chapter four highlights on language attitude among teenagers in Uyo and its effect (a brief discussion), and findings, while chapter five is conclusion and recommendations of the research, including references and appendix.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

In the time past, language attitudes have been analyzed and debated upon with respect to how languages can be endangered, and how they can die.  The two main points to be considered in this research are:  attitude and language, and how teenagers manipulate them. Attitude is defined as the way that one thinks and feels about somebody or something, the way that one behaves towards somebody or something that shows how one thinks and feels.  While language is defined as the system of communication in speech and writing that is used by people of a particular country. Also, another dictionary definition of language is a particular style of speaking or writing. So for the purpose of further development and preservation of the Ibibio Language, this research is going to be concerned with the behaviour exhibited by teenagers In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State particularly those in the Uyo Local Government Area of the State to their indigenous language

1.2     STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Most language users do not see the language that they speak as a definition of their race, their culture, and their personality.  Negligence, ignorance and quest to follow the current trend have left Africans in general and Nigerians in particular far from their root – their source/who they really are. So, in this research, ways in which we have drifted from our culture (through the embracing of a foreign language) are being elaborated upon, and suggestions on how to re-position our attitude to our indigenous language are made explicit.

1.3     OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY

The study sought to evaluate the effect of language attitudes among teenagers. Specifically, the study sought to;

1.   To evaluate why teenagers behave the way they do to language.

2.   To determine what influence and inform the behaviour so exhibited to language.

3.   To find out the effect of their behaviour on their indigenous language.

4.   To proffer possible solutions aimed at internalizing the language in the minds of these teenagers thereby preserving the language.

1.4    RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.   Why do teenagers behave the way they do to language?

2.   What influences and inform the behaviour so exhibited to language?

3.   What is the effect of their behaviour on their indigenous language?

4.   What possible solutions are available aimed at internalizing the language in the minds of these teenagers thereby preserving the language?

1.5   RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In analyzing various related texts in relation to this field, a socio-linguistic method of approach is used in examining the behaviour or attitudes exhibited by teenagers in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State to their indigenous language vis-à-vis English and pidgin. Also, questionnaires are used in the observation of their attitude to language as a means of data collection.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.7   SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

The study “language attitudes among teenagers and its effects” is a study of how language is being approached and manipulated by teenagers in Uyo district of Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, for their day-to-day interaction, fellowship and relationship.

LIMITATIONS OF STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8     Definition of Terms

Language: The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.

Teenager: A teenager, or teen, is a person who falls within the ages of 13 to 18 years old. The word "teenager" is another word for an adolescent.