INCLUSION OF ETHNOGRAPHY OF SPEAKING IN L2 SPEAKING SKILL: PANACEA FOR EDUCATION POLICY, IMPLEMENTATION AND REFORM

Abstract

In Second Language Teaching (SLT) of speaking skills, attention is paid more on performance while little attention is paid in the aspect of social communication performance. More scholars advocate for the inclusion of the culture of the native speakers in ESL without considering what is acceptable in the cultural environment of the ESL learners. This paper examines the cultural correctness in communication while using the Second Language during conversation L1 linguistic environment. It employed descriptive research design to explore the relevance of integrating local culture in communication skill of ESL learners and drwas inference from HYmes (1972) Communicative Theory to guide the research. Communication theory also known as Ethnography of speaking theory upholds that the meaning of words is basically determined by the society; meaning that what is communicated must be said the way the society permits language should be used in various occasions or pay attention to the language of the society. This work upholds that the social use of language is of great essence in language learning and teaching. This is because actual communication puts into consideration the societal norms as it concerns language use and occasion in order to understand distinct cultural ad contextual dimensions of communication. This paper explored the opinions of other researchers on this topic to highlight the importance and necessity for the inclusion of ethnography of communication in the learning of speaking skills in English as a Second Language.