Abstract: The study of language has moved from the traditional method to a more scientific method. This is why linguistics is defined in contemporary time as the scientific study of language. Unlike the previous prescriptive study of language, the scientific approach entails the study of the properties and components of a language in the language laboratory where electronic gadgets show the vocal track, the places and manners of articulation in speech production as well as the wave of air production. Given the pivotal role of laboratory to the study of languages in modern time, this study, therefore, sets to investigate its availability and use in the College of Education and Universities in Niger State where languages are taught. Descriptive survey methodology is adopted for this study. This methodology is adopted because it accommodates the use of questionnaire and interview especially in the course of interrogation of students learning language courses in the selected higher institutions in Niger State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprises the students studying English in both the Federal and State-owned institutions of higher learning in Niger State. In the course of this study, it is discovered that many language laboratories are not functional as a result of irregular power supply. Often times, the period when light is available is not the period speech sound classes are scheduled. Related to this is that petroleum, which should be an alternative means of power supply to the language laboratory gadgets, is also costly. This is a perennial problem in Nigeria. Many people who study language(s) in the Nigerian educational system do not have the opportunity to be taught speech sounds in the language laboratories. The effect is that those who are not familiar with the operations of language laboratory equipment are employed to teach speech sounds. Therefore, students are only taught theoretical phonology without having practical knowledge of speech sound production.
Keywords: traditional method, scientific study, students learning language, language laboratory.
Title: INFELICITIES OF ENGLISH SPEECH SOUNDS AND ORTHOGRAPHY IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING IN NIGER STATE
Author: Abolarin Omolade Arinola, Iwabi Abraham Modahunsi, Omoniwa Yomi
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 3, July 2024 - September 2024
Page No: 272-276
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 06-September-2024
