Background to the Study

Mother tongue as the first language of instruction in schools is an essential tool in whatever field we may find ourselves, without it any meaningful form of intellectual pursuit will be hindered. As we all know that most children who begin their education in their mother tongues make a better start as they demonstrate increased self confidence, and continue to perform better than those who start school in a new language (English). (Cummins,2000) The outlook of the education is brighter when the school builds on the foundation of mother tongue in teaching a second language. It is therefore important that one understand the functions of mother tongue, particularly pupil’s learning through it as a-medium of instruction in school. This has been given a tremendous support by both educational authorities and the general public. (Baker, 2000) This support however, rests on the general belief that the mastery of mother tongue assists in the understanding of other subjects like Art, Social Studies and Primary Science etc. The numerous studies in all parts of the world shows that the effective use of mother tongue tends to the better knowledge of a second or foreign language when it is acquired in a comparative short time. (Skutnabh, 2000)