The impact of television viewing on children’s English language development at pre-school level; case for Riruta zone, Dagorretti district, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of television viewing on children’s English language development of pre-school in Riruta Zone Dagoretti District. Study objective were to determine whether television viewing had any impact on children’s English Language Development. It was hypothesized that viewing of Kenyan Local television programmes by young pre-schcolers has impacted negatively towards their English language development. The study presented a strong, basis for further research. It was limited to those who watched television and delimited to Riruta Zone Dagoretti district. The assumption was that the sample frequently and regularity watched television. Relevant literature on television viewership to pre-school children was rewatched with Noam Chomsky theory being the theoretical framework besides a relevant illustrated conceptual framework. The design of the study was descriptive survey, the target population for the study were public pre-schools in Riruta Zone Dagoretti District. Twenty one pre-schools were used. Eight four pre-school children were used, forty two parents were used and twenty one pre-school teachers were used for the study. Instruments used were questionnaires, an interview schedule and an observation guide. Piloting was done in the neighboring Waithaka zone as it shares similar characteristics with Riruta Zone. Data was collected using the above instruments by the researcher and trained research statistical analysis. The study found that pre-school children emulate poor pronunciation and spoke in sheng from the television viewing which has impacted negatively towards English Language Development. It was found out that television impacted negatively towards children’s English language development. It was concluded that parents and teachers felt encouraged when the television was used to enhance the correct pronunciation of English words, proper English speaking. The study recommended further research on impact of television on physical development, social and moral development.