The effect of local language on learners’ performance in English language in Busolwe town council, Butaleja district.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of local language on learners‟ performance in English in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District. The objectives were to examine the effects of Local language on Academic performance in English language in selected primary schools in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District; To analyze the factors that lead to the failure of pupils in English language in selected primary schools; To examine the effects of failure of pupils in English language in primary schools; and to identify possible ways of improving the performance of pupils in English language. The study used a descriptive cross section survey design that based on questionnaires and interviews. The population included the head teachers, teachers, parents and learners in the government aided primary schools in Busolwe Town Council, Butaleja District. Quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. Quantitative data analysis was done by use of frequency tables. The findings show that 99% (386) of the questionnaires that were distributed were returned while 1% (4) was not returned. The study had more female respondents than male ones. 41% (160) was for male respondents compared to 59% (226) who were female respondents. The study found out that that literacy promotes interpretation of questions. Regular use of local language at school makes pupils to fail English. The study concludes that pupils who perform poorly in English have reduced interest in academic work. Those who fail English resort to use of local language for communication. The study finally concludes that emphasizing use of English in the daily life of pupils can help to improve the performance of pupils in English Language. The study recommends that teachers should create activities that can enable pupils to speak English language rather than speak the local language to help pupils to improve their performance in English. Teachers also need to encourage pupils to use English in their daily life for mastery. This can help them to get used to using English and in turn improve their performance.