CHAPTER ONE

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

1.0       INTRODUCTION

This chapter is concerned with the history of the Igbo, Ibibio languages and its speakers, language classification, statement of the research problem, objectives of the study, the research questions, significance of the study, scope of the study, delimitations of the study and definition of basic terms.

1.1       BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Language according to Yusuf (2012) potentially is a communicative medium capable of expressing issues and concepts as well as moods, feelings and attitudes. Adedeji (2015) views language as an integral part of human behaviour and it serves as the primary means of interaction between people. This means that language is an inevitable and inseparable tool from human beings as it permeates their lives from birth to death. No aspect of human activities can be succesful without the effective use of language, human beings need it to share ideas, experiences, emotions, and interact with other people in the society or in environment, (Ayeomoni, 2011).  Emeka-Nwobia (2015) avers that the repository of people’s identity and way of life is enmbodied in their language as well as transferrred to other people and newer generations, via the means of language. That is, language is tied to culture of a group of people. No culture can thrive without language, just as no society can exist without language. Characteristically, language is species specific and is of generic possession that is peculiar to human beings. The share of a common code between individuals in a society is involved in language. These codes individuals share are arbitrary patterned in the form of symbols which could be in a vocal or written form.

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