English Language Teaching and Ict
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AND ICT
BY
BANDELE ADEBOYE SOGBESAN
SENIOR LECTURER IN ENGLISH, DEPT OF LANGUAGES,
TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION,
IJEBU ODE.
INTRODUCTION
Language has been described by various scholars over the years according to the perceived roles it plays in different circumstances. Sapir (1921) sees it as a system of arbitrary vocal signs and symbols used for the purpose of communication. It can also be seen in the light of Christophersen’s (1981) view as a conventional tool of self expression adopted by a society in carrying out its socialising functions. Language in both its written and spoken forms, is a vehicle through which man relates with and interpretes the world in which he lives. Various human groups and societies are typified by the language they speak, hence a Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, French or Ghanaian is identified not just by the geographical boundaries which separate them, but also by the distinct linguistic instrument by which they express themselves. Cultures are integral parts of languages, and it is almost impossible to fully express one cultural experience in another language.
It is a mainly human attribute which, going by Chomsky’s claim, is however not inherent but is learned or acquired as part of the normal maturational process.
In a second language situation as the English Language is in Nigeria, the learning of a target language is not as easy or involuntary as a first language (L1); apart from the deliberate, planned and largely artificial process of teaching and learning, both teachers and learners are constantly searching for improved ways of acquiring cognitive, affective and psychomotor perfection in the new language. It becomes understandable therefore why over the years, there have been changes in pedagogical approaches to language teaching, ranging from the traditional practice of teaching the rules of the target language, through emphasis on practice and repitition without teaching the rules
BY
BANDELE ADEBOYE SOGBESAN
SENIOR LECTURER IN ENGLISH, DEPT OF LANGUAGES,
TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION,
IJEBU ODE.
INTRODUCTION
Language has been described by various scholars over the years according to the perceived roles it plays in different circumstances. Sapir (1921) sees it as a system of arbitrary vocal signs and symbols used for the purpose of communication. It can also be seen in the light of Christophersen’s (1981) view as a conventional tool of self expression adopted by a society in carrying out its socialising functions. Language in both its written and spoken forms, is a vehicle through which man relates with and interpretes the world in which he lives. Various human groups and societies are typified by the language they speak, hence a Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, French or Ghanaian is identified not just by the geographical boundaries which separate them, but also by the distinct linguistic instrument by which they express themselves. Cultures are integral parts of languages, and it is almost impossible to fully express one cultural experience in another language.
It is a mainly human attribute which, going by Chomsky’s claim, is however not inherent but is learned or acquired as part of the normal maturational process.
In a second language situation as the English Language is in Nigeria, the learning of a target language is not as easy or involuntary as a first language (L1); apart from the deliberate, planned and largely artificial process of teaching and learning, both teachers and learners are constantly searching for improved ways of acquiring cognitive, affective and psychomotor perfection in the new language. It becomes understandable therefore why over the years, there have been changes in pedagogical approaches to language teaching, ranging from the traditional practice of teaching the rules of the target language, through emphasis on practice and repitition without teaching the rules
References: Rufai, K. I. (2008). ‘Computer in Human Endeavours’ in Sotonode et al (eds) Effective Teaching and Learning of Primary Science Practicein Public Schools in Ogun State. Ijebu Ode. ACUFES Prints. Sogbesan, B.A. (2006). ‘Teaching in The English Language in a non- native situation:Problems and Prospects in Nigerian Education’ in Ayodele et al (eds) Aspects of Language and Literature: A text for Tertiary Institutions. Ibadan, Olu Akin. Williams David(1999). English Language Teaching: An Integrated Approach. Lagos, Spectrum.