The Difficulties Level 200 Students face in use of English 101 and 102 at the University of Buea and how to overcome these Difficulties

Abstract

The difficulties level 200 students face in English 101 and 102 at the University of Buea and how to overcome these difficulties is the focus of these studies. An interview was conducted and a tape recorder was used to record their pronunciation. This was in order to determine student’s proficiency in Use of English 101 and 102 in the University of Buea.

Four [IV] departments were used and the result showed that level 200 students are not adequately fit as far as pronunciation is a concern. Also, these students were given out questionnaires in which the results also showed that they are lacking in so many aspects in English such as stress and tenses.

In all, attention should be paid to the English language at the secondary level since it is a place in which these students are tested severely within which the right standards can be engrained.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

English is the West Germanic Language that was spoken in early medieval English and is now a global lingua Franca Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. English is the national language of numerous sovereign state, these states include United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Cameroon and New Zealand.

Level two hundred students (200) are those who are newly admitted into the University of Buea. The bilingual nature of Cameroon poses one of the difficulties faced by some level 200 students or learners.

It is obvious that the learner or student who is a French-speaking Cameroonian will speak English differently from an English speaking Cameroonian. This is due to the differences in the student’s pronunciations and social background. Most often, children from rich homes will learn English different from those from poor homes.

These two learners from two different backgrounds will have different problems in English. Also, a problem will arise from the student or learner’s former school. If the school was in a rural or urban area, these two learners will face different problems. The learner’s teachers may be a reason for the learner’s difficulties.

This is because the teacher’s pronunciation and writing may be from Standard English. Also, the random use of Pidgin English by these students has caused them a lot of difficulties in both

spoken and written English. The word “spoken” is the past participle of the verb to speak. The online Wikipedia Dictionary defines the verb “to speak” as to talk to somebody about something. To talk to somebody about something means that the person has to understand what one is talking about”.

This fulfils the communicative function of language through speech. Written” comes from the verb “to write”. Writing is a medium of communication that represents language through the inscription of signs and symbols. 

Furthermore, the varieties of English in the world such as Cameroon English and American English have caused a big problem for those who want to write and speak English. This is because Cameroon English and American English differs from British Standard English in pronunciation.

Statement of the problem

The English language has always been the priority of many students, teachers and government as its importance in the life of Cameroonians cannot be overemphasized. In the University of Buea, English is the main language in use and students in this Anglo-Saxon University are compelled to speak and write the English Language effectively.

However, this is not the case in the University of Buea as concerning the introduction and teaching of the use of English I and IT to all level 200 students who must pass these courses to make their way through this Anglo- Saxon University. This project seeks to solve these issues.

Objectives of the study

• The objective of this study is to identify difficulties faced by level 200 students in the use of English in the University of Buea.
• To analyze difficulties faced by level 200 students in English 101/102 at the University of Buea
• To find solutions on how to overcome these difficulties faced by level 200 students in the use of English I and II

Research Questions

What are some of the difficulties level of 200 students face in the use of English 101 and 102?

To what extend is Pidgin English the major cause of difficulties level 200 students face in the use of English 101 and 102?

The Difficulties Level 200 Students face in the use of English 101 and 102 at the University of Buea and how to overcome these Difficulties