Authors :
Abu Bakarr Sheriff; John Pahoni Stevens; Saidu Challay; Philip F. Y. Thulla
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mjfu9t37
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/45ntf9pf
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1566
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Abstract :
Sierra Leone is a multilingual nation with English serving as the official language of instruction and
administration. Despite this, indigenous languages like Mɛnde (Southern and Eastern provinces) and Kàthemnɛ (Northern
Province) exert notable influence on students’ spoken English. This study investigates the comparative influence of
phonological interference from Mɛnde and Kàthemnɛ, two major indigenous languages of Sierra Leone on English
pronunciation among senior secondary school pupils. Using a qualitative dominant mixed-methods design, it analyzes how
vowel shifts, consonant substitution, syllable structure, and intonation patterns impede English proficiency. Data from 640
pupils and 60 teachers in Bo and Mile 91 were gathered through oral reading tasks, recorded speech samples, questionnaires
and structured interviews. Findings reveal distinct interference patterns corresponding to each language, with implications
for intelligibility, fluency, and academic performance. It concludes that the interaction between L1 and L2, particularly
phonological interference, complicates second language acquisition. This research explores the extent, nature, and
educational implications of these interferences. Recommendations include phonologically informed pedagogy and
contrastive phonetics integration into the curriculum.
Keywords :
Vowel Shift, Syllable/ Structure Influence, Element Transfer, and Lexical Borrowing.
References :
- Kaimapo M. (1984) Problems of Teaching English in Sierra Leone. Unpublished project (N.U.C)
- Langa, M. &Setati, M. (2006). Students' views on the use of home language for learning. Paper presented at the 14th Annual SAARMSTE Conference, University of Pretoria.
- MacCarthy P.A.D (1972) Talking of speaking: papers applied phonetics I in Language and learning (London) O.U.P
- Mohammad, A. Y. (2002) Promoting Children Language and Communication Development for Successful Democracy and National Development. A Paper Presented at the School of Education National Conference, Federal College of Education, Kano.
- Norich, John (1983). Language learner and their errors
- Oluwole, D. A. (2008). The Impact of Mother Tongue on Students' Achievement in English Language in Junior Secondary Certificate Examination in Western Nigeria". Journal of Social Sciences. 17 (1): 41-49.
- Richards, J and Simpson, G (1974). The study of learner English in error analysis. Applied Linguistics Language study (Ed) C.M.Candlin (London Long Man Group Ltd)
- Richard, Samson (1974). Distinguishing English sounds
- Robert Lado (1957). Linguistics Across Cultures
- Robin R.H (1964). General Linguistics An introductory Survey London (Long man)
- Skinner B.F. (1957). How Human Being Learn a Language
- Stevens, J. P., & Sheriff, A. (2025) ESL Oral Proficiency Inapt in Senior Secondary School Learners. Creative Education, 16, 555-570. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2025.164033
- Stevens, J. P., Challay, S., & Thulla, P.F.Y. (2023). Enhancing English oral fluency: a study on Sierra Leone’s senior secondary students. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning, 4(2), 28-41.
- Stevens J. P., Challay, S., & Thulla, P. F. Y., (2025) Improving oral English fluency in senior secondary school ESL learners of multilingual backgrounds in southern Sierra Leone. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) Volume 12, Issue 4 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)
- Stevens J. P., Sheriff A. B., & Sandy Jr., J. S., (2025) The Effect of Communication on the Administration of Tertiary Institutions: An In-depth Analysis. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR) Volume 12, Issue 4 www.jetir.org (ISSN-2349-5162)
- Wall-Work J, F (1971). Language and the individual, ELT Koroma O.U.P Vol 25 No. 2 February
- Wilkins (1985). Linguistics in Language Teaching
- Wilga, (1983). Communicating naturally in a second Language Theory and practice in Language Teachin
Sierra Leone is a multilingual nation with English serving as the official language of instruction and
administration. Despite this, indigenous languages like Mɛnde (Southern and Eastern provinces) and Kàthemnɛ (Northern
Province) exert notable influence on students’ spoken English. This study investigates the comparative influence of
phonological interference from Mɛnde and Kàthemnɛ, two major indigenous languages of Sierra Leone on English
pronunciation among senior secondary school pupils. Using a qualitative dominant mixed-methods design, it analyzes how
vowel shifts, consonant substitution, syllable structure, and intonation patterns impede English proficiency. Data from 640
pupils and 60 teachers in Bo and Mile 91 were gathered through oral reading tasks, recorded speech samples, questionnaires
and structured interviews. Findings reveal distinct interference patterns corresponding to each language, with implications
for intelligibility, fluency, and academic performance. It concludes that the interaction between L1 and L2, particularly
phonological interference, complicates second language acquisition. This research explores the extent, nature, and
educational implications of these interferences. Recommendations include phonologically informed pedagogy and
contrastive phonetics integration into the curriculum.
Keywords :
Vowel Shift, Syllable/ Structure Influence, Element Transfer, and Lexical Borrowing.
