PROFESSOR of English Language at the Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Mrs Grace Olutayo, has advised teachers at all levels of education to adopt the use of seasoned words to teach students, and parents to avoid provocative words while correcting their children at home.
Professor Olutayo gave the advice while delivering the 14th inaugural lecture of the institution, entitled: ‘Language: A Spice for Seasoned Conversations’ recently.
She said the development would go a long way to improve learning among the students at all levels of education, noting that learning difficulties of students often emanate from use of ambiguous words by teachers.
Professor Olutayo said teachers are supposed to use explicit words and avoid inflammatory words while correcting students.
She also appealed to teachers to avoid the use of difficult words to set questions, adding that teachers should use simple words in questions that students can easily understand during examinations.
Mrs Olutayo defined communication as the spoken exchange of ideas, observations, opinions or feelings between people, which she described as the most basic widespread linguistic means of conducting human affairs.
According to her, to truly understand conversation, one must have a grasp of the underlying purpose behind the words spoken.
She noted that communication could be elevated by incorporating depth, grace and flavour through the deliberate use of expressions, words and paralinguistic cues that reflect linguistic mastery.
Olutayo stated that nonverbal communication should not be abused but politely applied because of its significance in shaping conversation or discussion, even in the classroom.
The vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Jonathan Babalola, in his remarks enjoined teachers and parents to be mindful of their choice of words while communicating with their students and children, as, according to him, unseasoned words can demoralize children.
In a brief interview after the lecture, Professor Olutayo noted that inadequate research funds are inhibiting the contribution of Nigerian researchers, especially in the areas of technology, industrial, social and political developments.
If the Nigerian government could encourage research in both private and public universities in the country, she noted, the development would go a long way to boost the town-gown relationship.
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