CONTRASTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE KANURI LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE

ABSTRACT

This study presents a comprehensive contrastive analysis of the Kanuri language and the English language. The abstract begins by emphasizing the significance of language in human communication and the pivotal role of words in linguistic studies. It briefly touches upon the Kanuri people, their origins, and their traditional way of life, setting the context for the analysis. The focus of the study is primarily on the sentence structure in English and Kanuri, highlighting notable differences, particularly in sentence types and the prevalence of imperative sentences in English. The examination extends to the analysis of verb forms in Kanuri, encompassing present tense, past tense, and future tense, with an exploration of their respective functions. Additionally, the abstract briefly discusses the word order rules governing English and the comparatively more flexible word order in Kanuri. An essential aspect explored in this study is the challenges faced by Kanuri speakers when learning English, specifically the difficulties encountered in transitioning from a system of flexible word order to one with stricter rules. The influence of the native language on second language acquisition is also examined, shedding light on how the grammatical structure of the native language tends to shape the learning process. To address the effective teaching of English as a second language, this study recommends various teaching methods for English Language Teachers (ELTs). These methods include communicative teaching, the grammar-translation method, the audiolingual method, the direct method, the natural approach, and discussion methods. Each method is briefly described, offering ELTs a range of approaches to facilitate language learning and proficiency. This study encourages students and researchers interested in the study of language, particularly the Kanuri language, to consider the structural and formal aspects of the language. The abstract underscores the need for further research and discussion in this area to deepen understanding and facilitate future advancements in the field. By investigating sentence structure, verb forms, and teaching methods, this study contributes to the broader understanding of language contrast and effective language instruction.