Etude Du Phenomene De La Liaison Chez Les Apprenants De Fle Des Niveaux 300 Et 400 A L’universite Du Ghana

Abstract

This thesis has attempted to analyse areas of difficulties of students in the use of the three types of ‘liaison’ in the French language. Practically, in verbal speeches and reading liaison is considered one of the most important aspects of the language which learners of French as a Foreign Language find difficult to master. This research specifically aims at finding out the difficulties encountered by the learners regarding the use of the three (3) « consonnes de liaison /z/, /t/, /n/ ». Questionnaire and a reading test were used in the investigations and findings revealed that the causes of these difficulties are related not only to the complex nature of the rules governing the practice of liaison in French. It has also been established that students find it difficult to differentiate between the “consonne finale” et “consonne de liaison” in order to be able to link words at their borders effectively. The difficulties were attributed mainly to lack of adequate knowledge about rules governing this linguistic aspect of French. Indeed, strategies that will help surmount the difficulties have been suggested. It has been suggested that instead of trying to explain the rules to learners, teachers should engage them in regular and frequent exercises such as practical class activities in oral and reading. Finally, it has been proposed that regular courses should be organized for teachers in line with the teaching of liaison in the University of Ghana and elsewhere.