Comparative Analysis of the Impacts of Verb Conjugation in French and English Among TVET Students at Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State

Abstract

Background: While these languages belong to the Indo-European family, their verb conjugation systems differ significantly. French, a Romance language, features more complex conjugation with numerous verb endings based on tense, mood, and subject, whereas English, a Germanic language, employs a simplified structure relying on auxiliary verbs. Aims : This study investigates variations in verb conjugation between English and French and their complexities among Technical and Vocational Education and Training students at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. The study aims to: 1) examine the structural differences between French and English verb conjugation systems; 2) evaluate the challenges faced by learners due to verb conjugation complexities, including common errors and strategies for effective learning and teaching methods for improving verb conjugation skills; and 3) assess communicative impacts in French and English, particularly in terms of clarity, formality, and the expression of temporal nuances and speaker intentions. Methods: This study adopted a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis to pinpoint and analyze verb conjugation complexities. Data were obtained from 1000 scripts of students from the schools of Engineering, Management Studies, Environmental Studies, and Pure and Applied Sciences. Results: The findings showed that French verb conjugation poses greater challenges with a variety of endings depending on the subject and agreement in number and gender, while English is simpler and less complicated. Implications: This study is significant because it helps learners deepen their understanding of how language works and strengthens communication accuracy. The implications are that tertiary institution students will better understand how tense, aspect, and agreement work and also reduce negative transfer from English to French.