CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Language is the most remarkable tool that man has invented, which has been used to ensure survival, express ideas and emotions, tell stories, remember the past and negotiate with one another. It is a feature of every human society and culture. Azikiwe, (1998) opines that language is a human characteristic that distinguishes man from the lower animals. According to Azikiwe, lower animals make varieties of communicative sounds and gestures but none of them has evolved a communicative system, as powerful and flexible as human language.

Consequently, the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), 2004) states that Government appreciates the importance of language as a means of promoting social interaction and national cohesion; and preserving cultures. Thus, “French is now Nigerian’s second official language and it shall be compulsory in primary and Junior Secondary Schools”, (FRN, 2004: 10). Ministerial Committee on the Review of French language Syllabus and Curriculum (MCRFLSC) held in June, 2006 to develop the curriculum for use at the Junior Secondary School level. Some of the objectives of this curriculum are as follows:

• To encourage the innovative capacity of the teacher who should be able to improve on materials in order to enhance effective delivery;

• To carry out continuous writing in French language employing correct usage of grammar, idiomatic expression, orthography, punctuation and other mechanics of the language;
• To manifest creativity in French language through composition of short stories, plays, news-sheets, word-games, songs and other innovative techniques; (Federal Ministry of Education (FME, 2006).

1. 1. This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research work
2. 2. As a source for additional understanding of the subject.
3. 3. As a source for ideas for your own research work (if properly referenced).
4. 4. For PROPER paraphrasing (see your university definition of plagiarism and acceptable paraphrase)
5. 5. Direct citing (if referenced properly)
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