Language Attitude and Speaking Efficiency of the Ìgbò Second Language (L2) Learners on Acculturation Programme at the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN)

Abstract

This study assessed the language attitude and the speaking efficiency of the Ìgbò second language learners on acculturation programme at NINLAN, Aba. It identified the language attitudes of the NCE Ìgbò L2 students on acculturation programme. It also compared the Mean speaking achievement scores between the Ìgbò L2 learners with integrative and instrumental attitudes as well as the Mean achievement scores between the Ìgbò L2 male and female students. A sample size of 68 participants was drawn by purposive sampling technique from about 100 students on the programme. The instruments used for data collection were researcher- designed language attitudes questionnaire (LAQ) and Speaking Efficiency Test (SETs). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of Simple Percentages, Mean and Standard Deviation for research questions while hypotheses were tested using T-Test analysis. The results showed that neither attitude nor sex influenced the speaking efficiency of the Ìgbò L2 students. The paper concludes by recommending that the Ìgbò second language learners should develop sound and critical attitudes towards the target language and culture. Also, the male Ìgbò L2 learners should do away with the stereotype that language study is a career for the females. For those who learn a second language for academic purposes like the Ìgbò L2 students, a combination of integrative and instrumental attitudes would produce greater results.