An appraisal of cross-linguistic influence on syntax acquisition among Yoruba and Igbo bilinguals
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Background of the Study
Cross-linguistic influence refers to the impact that one language exerts on the learning and use of another. In bilingual individuals, particularly among Yoruba and Igbo speakers, syntax acquisition is often shaped by the interaction between two distinct grammatical systems. Both Yoruba and Igbo feature unique syntactic structures, which can interact in complex ways when learners attempt to integrate rules from both languages (Adeola, 2023). The interplay may lead to facilitative transfer where similarities enhance learning or to interference where structural differences hinder proper syntax development (Olanrewaju, 2024). Studies conducted in bilingual settings have noted that such influence is mediated by factors including language exposure, proficiency levels, and the context of language use (Okafor, 2025). The sociolinguistic environment in which these languages are used further complicates the acquisition process, as community norms and educational practices contribute to how learners negotiate and assimilate grammatical rules. In classrooms and informal settings, teachers and caregivers often observe mixed syntactic patterns that reflect both convergence and divergence between the languages. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing pedagogical strategies that address the challenges of bilingual syntax learning and that leverage the cognitive advantages of cross-linguistic transfer. This study, therefore, seeks to appraise the extent and nature of cross-linguistic influence on syntax acquisition among Yoruba and Igbo bilinguals, offering insights into how these influences can be harnessed to improve bilingual education outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the potential benefits of bilingualism, Yoruba and Igbo bilinguals often experience challenges in mastering the syntax of both languages. Conflicting grammatical rules and structural differences can lead to errors and irregularities in sentence formation, adversely affecting academic performance and communicative clarity (Adeola, 2023). Educators report that learners sometimes exhibit overgeneralizations or transfer inappropriate syntactic patterns from one language to the other (Olanrewaju, 2024). These difficulties not only hinder language proficiency but also complicate the assessment of bilingual competence. The lack of a coherent framework to address cross-linguistic influence in syntax acquisition further exacerbates these issues, leaving teachers without clear strategies to support effective learning (Okafor, 2025). This study aims to systematically investigate these challenges and identify patterns that can inform curriculum development and instructional interventions, thereby reducing syntactic errors and enhancing overall bilingual proficiency.
Objectives of the Study:
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To investigate the patterns of cross-linguistic influence in syntax acquisition.
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To analyze the facilitative and inhibitory effects of bilingual exposure on syntactic development.
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To propose instructional strategies to mitigate negative transfer in bilingual syntax learning.
Research Questions:
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How do Yoruba and Igbo syntactic structures interact in bilingual learners?
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What factors contribute to positive versus negative cross-linguistic influence in syntax acquisition?
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Which pedagogical interventions can best address syntactic transfer issues?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant because it addresses critical challenges in bilingual education by clarifying the mechanisms of cross-linguistic influence on syntax acquisition. The findings will inform educators and curriculum developers on effective teaching strategies that accommodate the unique syntactic interactions of Yoruba and Igbo. Enhancing syntactic competence in bilingual learners can lead to improved academic performance and better communication skills, ultimately supporting broader educational and social objectives (Adeola, 2023; Olanrewaju, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to examining cross-linguistic influence on syntax acquisition among Yoruba and Igbo bilinguals and does not extend to other language pairs or linguistic features.
Definitions of Terms:
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Cross-linguistic influence: The effect that one language has on the learning or use of another.
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Syntax acquisition: The process of learning the grammatical structure of a language.
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Bilinguals: Individuals who are proficient in two languages.
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