The Implication of the English Irregular Verbs on the Second Language Learners

Abstract

This work highlights the nature of the English irregular verbs by identifying what makes them irregular in nature; how this affects or causes problems to second language learners in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State and to proffer solutions on how to alleviate the problems. Related literature was reviewed under two subtopics: conceptual framework and empirical framework. Both library and field researches are required to get the facts needed for the analysis. Descriptive design requiring respondents to supply answers to objective and subjective tests is used. A total number of three hundred (300) students from six State Government schools in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State serve as respondents. Five research questions guided the research which aimed at discovering the extent to which the English irregular verbs cause problems to second language learners in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The theoretical framework used is Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theory by Michael Halliday. Fifty questions were administered to the respondents to test the research questions. In analyzing the results, the researcher observed that the majority of the students do not have the required knowledge of the use of English irregular verbs. Based on the findings, some recommendations which aimed at improving the learning of English in an ESL situation were made.