The influence of mother tongue on learner’s performance in written Kiswahili at primary level: a case study of Migori County, Migori District

Abstract

This project is about the influence of mother tongue on learners’ performance in written Kiswahili at primary level in Migori County, Migori district. Questionnaires were designed and used to get primary data; where by respondents were required to answer the questions, the researcher conducted face to face interviews with pupils and teachers on issues pertaining to the influence of mother tongue on learners’ performance in written Kiswahili at primary level. During the study the researcher found out that there is an influence of mother tongue on learners; performance. It was also found out that most pupils speak Tholuo both inside and outside the class and this has had negative influence on both written and spoken Kiswahili. In conclusion it was found that there is significant relationship between mother tongue interference and learners performance in written language at primary level. Among the recommendations given by the researcher were teachers should be strict and self conscious about the influence Tholuo has on learners’ written Kiswahili. Pupils should also be encouraged by their teachers of Kiswahili to get used to the reading culture.