By Hook or By Crook: Leveraging English-Igbo Scaffolding for Early Igbo Language Acquisition in Young Children
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Dozie Chinomso Patricia, Chimakpam Ugonna
Presentation Date: May 14, 2026 @ 20:32 PM
Tags: Nigeria Owerri Federal University of Technology Imo State University of Port Harcourt Doncaster Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust Revers State Rotherham UK
Abstract
The intergenerational transmission of the Igbo language is in critical decline, particularly in the diaspora. While pure immersion is often the pedagogical default, it can impose an overwhelming cognitive load on children in English-dominant environments. This paper introduces Engli-Igbo Scaffolding, a framework that transforms English from a barrier into a strategic linguistic bridge. Rooted in Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and Bruner's Scaffolding Theory, this approach advocates for the systematic use of a child's dominant language to anchor new Igbo concepts. By “hooking” unfamiliar structures—such as tonality and syntax—onto existing English cognitive schemas, educators can reduce linguistic anxiety and increase engagement. Unlike casual code-switching, Engli-Igbo Scaffolding is a goal-oriented methodology where a More Knowledgeable Other (MKO) provides adjustable assistance that is gradually faded as the child's competence grows. The study explores practical applications, including bilingual storytelling, targeted code-switching, and vocabulary bridges. These methods enable children to navigate complex linguistic transitions without losing confidence or cultural identity. Ultimately, this work posits that leveraging a child's existing linguistic repertoire is a sophisticated tool for revitalization rather than a sign of deficiency. By lowering the affective filter, Engli-Igbo Scaffolding offers a psychologically supportive path to heritage language bilingualism. The authors conclude with a call for empirical research comparing this structured scaffolding with immersion-only approaches in heritage language settings.
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