Phonemic Systems of Eggon and English: Implications for the Teaching and Learning of English Pronunciation by Eggon learners of English

Abstract: The extant literature has shown that a language learner's L1 system has aprofound influence on his L2. Such influences can be positive or negative and arenoticeable either in the form of transfer or interference. L1 influence on L2 learningcan cut across various levels of language use including phonology, morphology,syntax and indeed semantics. It is 'transfer' when the L1 system enhances the learningof the target language. Interference results, however, when the L1 system, impedesL2 learning. This present study seeks to examine the phonemic systems of Eggon andEnglish with a view to identifying the points of similarities and areas of differences inthe phonemic systems of the two languages and on the basis of this, identify areas oflearning difficulty in the second language learning of English by Eggon speakers andwhat can be done to overcome the learning difficulties. Our findings revealed thatthere are so many areas of similarities in the sound systems of the two languages.These will boast the learning of English phonetics by Eggon speakers. There are,however, areas of marked differences that may require the L2 English teacher'sattention if the student has proper mastery of the English sound system.