First Language Interference in the Pronunciation of English Lexical Items: A Case Study of Yoruba Language

ABSTRACT

    This study examines first language interference on the pronunciation of English lexical items using Yoruba as a case study. This research was inspired by the inability of previous studies on the topic, mother tongue influence to say precisely despite the identification of differences in the structures of the language, and the reason why this interference can never go away. Contrastive analysis is a descriptive approach employed and data for the study were collected using the 63 basic items from competent speakers of the language using educated and non- educated native Yoruba speakers as the informants with personal observation. Findings revealed that the differences in Phonological structures of the languages are chiefly responsible for the interference but were never enough but at the same time other factors such as environmental factor and the teachers expertise is also of paramount importance in this kind of investigation. This study, apart from contributing to the study of first language interference will help directing attention to other areas that phonological interference can be approached whenever we are discussing native like fluency and why it is not always achievable with some native speakers.