THE EFFECT OF MOTHER TONGUE INTERFERENCE ON THE SPOKEN ENGLISH OF SELECTED NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES

Abstract

This study examines the interference of Yoruba and Igbo mother tongue on the use of English language by selected Nigerian celebrities. The aim is to know the areas where Yoruba and Igbo mother tongue of selected Nigerian celebrities in selected movies and reality shows. The selected movies and episodes of reality show were actively listened to severally and excerpts were taken from various scenes. The data was analysed using the theoretical framework of Contrastive analysis. The data analysis explicated that majority of the errors made by these celebrities are as a result of the some sounds in English that are absent in the phonological sound of their native dialect evident in phonology and grammar; lexical borrowings from Yoruba. The recommendations of the research findings is that there should be more study on interference as a whole and not just in the negative but to be studied as a tool and a style of language.