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The Relationship among Test Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Writing Performance Among Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners
Saeide Majidifar,
Mohammad Reza Oroji
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
323-327
Received:
31 August 2015
Accepted:
19 September 2015
Published:
8 October 2015
Abstract: Writing performance in general plays a significant part in any academic field and it is a flexible tool that can be used to meet a variety of goals (Diamond, 1999; Graham, 2006b). This study aimed to illuminate and investigate the two psychological and crucial factors influencing the writing performance: Self-efficacy (SE) and Test anxiety (TA). An attempt was made to assess the relationship among Self-efficacy, Test anxiety and writing performance. In so doing, after homogenizing the students as Intermediate ones via a placement test, two questionnaires of SE ( Owen &Froman,1988 ) and Test anxiety (Suinn, 1969) were administered to 50 intermediate students. Having administered the questionnaires, the researcher asked the subjects to compose an essay on a general topic: 'The effects of TV on people’s lives'. Based on the questionnaires, the subjects were divided into four groups: 1) High SE, High TA, 2) High SE, Low TA, 3) Low SE, High TA, and 4) Low SE, Low TA. The data collected from the questionnaires as well as the scores given to their writing performances were analyzed through SPSS (21.00). Results indicated that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups of High self-efficacy, low test anxiety and Low self-efficacy, high test anxiety. The former group outperformed the latter one. The outcomes of this study can have benefits for both foreign language teachers and learners. They both can attain better results by focusing more on these two psychological factors in their roles. The findings of the present study demonstrated that more concentration ought to be placed on these two psychological factors in order to enhance students’ writing performances.
Abstract: Writing performance in general plays a significant part in any academic field and it is a flexible tool that can be used to meet a variety of goals (Diamond, 1999; Graham, 2006b). This study aimed to illuminate and investigate the two psychological and crucial factors influencing the writing performance: Self-efficacy (SE) and Test anxiety (TA). An...
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Instructional Games and Vocabulary Enhancement: Case of Iranian Pre-Intermediate EFL Learners
Hooshang Khoshsima,
Amin Saed,
Arash Yazdani
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
328-332
Received:
12 September 2015
Accepted:
21 September 2015
Published:
8 October 2015
Abstract: Vocabulary learning has always been a major concern for second language learners. Particularly for those who are just beginning to learn English. Usually a long list of vocabulary items is given to learners and they have to memorize all of them. The present study using a quasi-experimental design aimed to determine whether teaching vocabulary through instructional games can affect the vocabulary enhancement of students. The participants were 40 pre-intermediate EFL students who were equally divided into two groups. To this end, the two groups of students were assigned as control and experimental groups. The control group was exposed to textbook teaching and the experimental group was exposed to instructional games. After analyzing the obtained data, no significant differences were found between the two groups on posttest, as both programs made progress in the subjects. However, after two weeks, a delayed post-test was conducted to see the retention of learners' knowledge of vocabulary. In the end, although both groups had changed positively, a significant change was seen in the retention of learners' knowledge of vocabulary in the experimental group.
Abstract: Vocabulary learning has always been a major concern for second language learners. Particularly for those who are just beginning to learn English. Usually a long list of vocabulary items is given to learners and they have to memorize all of them. The present study using a quasi-experimental design aimed to determine whether teaching vocabulary throu...
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The Synergism of STM and the Effectiveness of Simultaneous Interpreting
Kang Zhifeng,
Duan Jihong
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
341-346
Received:
5 September 2015
Accepted:
22 September 2015
Published:
8 October 2015
Abstract: STM is the abbreviated form of short-term memory that consciously processes the information in interpreting. As both a buffer and a processor, STM plays an indispensable part in interpreting practices. This study, through live simultaneous interpreting (SI) experiments and observations to the MTI that the researcher has taught in the SI classroom in the College of Foreign Languages and Literatures at Fudan University, analyzes their STM abilities to do SI. The results of experimental research show that the function of STM is increasingly prominent; and moreover, the STM synergism strategy is conducive to enhancing the timeliness and the ten-dimensions of student interpreters in their SI, which consequently expedites the effectiveness.
Abstract: STM is the abbreviated form of short-term memory that consciously processes the information in interpreting. As both a buffer and a processor, STM plays an indispensable part in interpreting practices. This study, through live simultaneous interpreting (SI) experiments and observations to the MTI that the researcher has taught in the SI classroom i...
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A Study of Topology of Behavioral Clauses in English and Vietnamese in the Light of Functional Grammar
Hoa Van Phan,
Trinh Thi Tu Nguyen
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
347-352
Received:
9 September 2015
Accepted:
28 September 2015
Published:
15 October 2015
Abstract: The study of the relation between human behavior and language is probably the most fascinating interests that a scholar can undertake. Actually, human behavior and language have very close, mutual and complex relationships which need exploring more. This paper reports on an ongoing Ph. D research in the light of functional grammar raised by Halliday M.A.K [11]. It aims at presenting (i) the theoretical background of experimental meaning: the system of transitivity and especially behavioral clauses, (ii) the identification of English and Vietnamese verbs that realize process in behavioral clauses with a corpus of English and Vietnamese literary work of the late 20th century and the early 21st century, (iii) a topology of behavioral clauses in English and Vietnamese literary work. When we look at the experimental metafunction, we are investigating the grammar of the clause as representation. To achieve the set goals, descriptive method and functional analysis are thoroughly chosen. Finally, this paper also employs the framework of Martin, Matthiessen and Painter [15], Bloor and Bloor [2] and Eggins [8] to find out more about the subtypes of behavioral processes in English and Vietnamese literary genre.
Abstract: The study of the relation between human behavior and language is probably the most fascinating interests that a scholar can undertake. Actually, human behavior and language have very close, mutual and complex relationships which need exploring more. This paper reports on an ongoing Ph. D research in the light of functional grammar raised by Hallida...
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Cultural Conceptualization and Cross-Cultural Misunderstanding in Iranian English
Mehdi Solhi Andarab,
Asgar Mahmoudi
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
353-359
Received:
21 September 2015
Accepted:
4 October 2015
Published:
19 October 2015
Abstract: Cross-cultural Misunderstanding has always been a conundrum for individuals who involve in intercultural communication. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, individuals tend to behave in a way that is appropriate to their own cultural norms which might pose serious problems for them. These cultural norms are what Sharifian (2010) titles cultural conceptualizations. Cultural conceptualizations are conceptual structures such as schemas, categories, and metaphors that come into existence as a result of interactions between members of a cultural group. This study elaborates on a number of important Iranian cultural schemas, such as ‘expressing thankfulness’, ‘making request’ and ‘complimenting’, and explores how these cultural schemas can potentially culminate in cross-cultural misunderstanding when communicating in English. This study argues in favor of enhancing people’s meta-cultural competence, which is a prerequisite for successful communication in contexts in which English operates as an international language.
Abstract: Cross-cultural Misunderstanding has always been a conundrum for individuals who involve in intercultural communication. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, individuals tend to behave in a way that is appropriate to their own cultural norms which might pose serious problems for them. These cultural norms are what Sharifian (2010) titles cult...
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The Inclusion of Dialects in Education: An Exploration into the Use of Afan Oromo Dialects in Primary Educational Context
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
360-366
Received:
27 September 2015
Accepted:
9 October 2015
Published:
24 October 2015
Abstract: The use of language varieties for instructional purposes is one of the significant factors in education. Education is claimed to be more efficient when it is provided through the medium of students’ mother tongue. This, in turn, suggests the varieties which are spoken by students should be used for education. However, it is not clear whether or not the different dialects of Afan Oromo are used in the textbooks and National Exams. Hence, the main concerns of this study were to investigate the extent to which Afan Oromo dialects are used in primary education and to describe how far the educational system is inclusive or address the diverse dialect speakers. To achieve these purposes, three school subjects (one which is taught as a subject and the other two which are taught using the language) were selected for analysis. Accordingly, the contents of the students’ textbooks and National Exams of Afan Oromo and two other subjects namely, Biology and Geography were selected and analyzed. Different findings were obtained from the data analysis. Regarding the use of dialects in education, the study noted that the vocabularies of the four dialect areas were used in the textbooks and National Exams, but the share given to the dialect areas does not seem similar. The data analysis also divulged that the Eastern and the Western Dialect Areas were largely used and the Central Dialect was less used in Grade 8 textbooks and National Exams. Besides, the research depicted that the use of dialects shows similarities in the National Exams and textbooks when Afan Oromo is studied as a subject and used as a Medium of Instruction (MOI). Finally, recommendations were given based on the findings of the study.
Abstract: The use of language varieties for instructional purposes is one of the significant factors in education. Education is claimed to be more efficient when it is provided through the medium of students’ mother tongue. This, in turn, suggests the varieties which are spoken by students should be used for education. However, it is not clear whether or not...
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The Impact of Intonational Changes on Male and Female Teenagers’ Inferencing and Listening Comprehension
Leila Barati,
Morteza Bakhtiarvand
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
367-371
Received:
5 October 2015
Accepted:
15 October 2015
Published:
28 October 2015
Abstract: According to Buck (2003), in the listening comprehension the input in the form of sounds and intonational clues often conveys additional information. This paper considers the impact of intotational (falling and rising) changes on children language acquisition and children's linguistic experiences as an important factor that assists in the emerging social and emotional development of the children’s inferencing. During the study two fiction and non-fiction passages were read to participants in experimental and control groups respectively and accordingly participants have different comprehension ability.
Abstract: According to Buck (2003), in the listening comprehension the input in the form of sounds and intonational clues often conveys additional information. This paper considers the impact of intotational (falling and rising) changes on children language acquisition and children's linguistic experiences as an important factor that assists in the emerging ...
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The Emotion and Imagery Characterizing the Vocabularies of Special Englishes Designed for Later Language Learners
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
372-376
Received:
16 July 2015
Accepted:
16 October 2015
Published:
3 November 2015
Abstract: Two Special Englishes designed for later language learners – Ogden’s Basic English and the Voice of America’s Simple English – propose the use of a limited English vocabulary. The emotional associations, abstraction, length, and frequency of vocabulary words in these two systems were studied in comparison to Everyday English. Not surprisingly, the limited vocabularies of the two Special Englishes contained shorter and more common words than Everyday English. The Special Englishes were both more pleasant in their associations than Everyday English and more concrete (less abstract). Simple English was more active and arousing in its associations while Basic English was less so. It is suggested that teachers of later learners should be aware of the ways in which limited vocabularies skew the emotional connotations of texts and differentiate experiences of later language learners from those of more experienced users.
Abstract: Two Special Englishes designed for later language learners – Ogden’s Basic English and the Voice of America’s Simple English – propose the use of a limited English vocabulary. The emotional associations, abstraction, length, and frequency of vocabulary words in these two systems were studied in comparison to Everyday English. Not surprisingly, the ...
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Language Choice and Level of Threatened with Extinction at Siladang Language
Syahnan Daulay,
Amrin Saragih,
Tengku Silvana Sinar,
Sahron Lubis
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
377-382
Received:
18 September 2015
Accepted:
7 October 2015
Published:
3 November 2015
Abstract: Siladang language transmission has some barries in intergenerational experience because of the constraints of social and psychological problem. The use of Siladang language in the realm of the family and neighbours at the region of Siladang becomes narrow as a result of the dominance of Mandailing language. Siladang language is no longer as the primary tools of communication. Now it is being replaced by the Mandailing language. There is a tendency of Siladang community to leave the language and switch to Mandailing language in the realm of public communication that presents a different tribe, that is the tribal interlocutors of Mandailaing. Siladang language gets a pressure from Mandailing language in Siladang region. As a result, the durability of the Siladang language begins to decline and fragile. Now, the rate of extinction of it is at the worrying scale based on the parameters of Grenobie and Whaley (2006).
Abstract: Siladang language transmission has some barries in intergenerational experience because of the constraints of social and psychological problem. The use of Siladang language in the realm of the family and neighbours at the region of Siladang becomes narrow as a result of the dominance of Mandailing language. Siladang language is no longer as the pri...
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Teaching English Professional Writing in an E-learning Environment: An Italian Case Study
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
383-393
Received:
30 July 2015
Accepted:
28 August 2015
Published:
3 November 2015
Abstract: This paper will report on the author's four-year experience of teaching English for International Organizations and Their Discourse, a course especially developed for the distance learning Master program in Comunicazione nelle Organizzazioni e Imprese Internazionali (Communication in International Organizations and Enterprises) launched by the Linguistic Center of the University of La Tuscia, in Viterbo, Italy, in 2008, and the teaching of a Business Communication course, focused on business writing, initially offered as an elective and subsequently transformed into a core (blended-format) course in the graduate program of Marketing and Quality at the same University. The specific features, aims and target of the two courses will be briefly explained and followed by the discussion of the program development and results obtained.
Abstract: This paper will report on the author's four-year experience of teaching English for International Organizations and Their Discourse, a course especially developed for the distance learning Master program in Comunicazione nelle Organizzazioni e Imprese Internazionali (Communication in International Organizations and Enterprises) launched by the Ling...
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Effective Approaches to Enlarge English Vocabulary
Zhou Haixia,
Yang Zhaohui
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
394-400
Received:
29 September 2015
Accepted:
23 October 2015
Published:
13 November 2015
Abstract: This thesis is the study of enlarging English vocabulary based on the principles of paying attention to culture differences, making full use of context, enlarging English vocabulary through collocation and connotation. This thesis is based on some theories provided by the scholars of the field of English vocabulary learning. According to Harmer (2002:153), “if language structure makes up the skeleton of language, then it is vocabulary that provides the vital organs and the flesh. An ability to manipulate grammatical structure does not have any potential meaning unless words are used.” "Culture consists of all the shared products of human society (Robertson, 1981)." It means language is a part of culture. Also, It is accepted that choosing words carefully in certain situations is more important than choosing grammatical structures (Harmer 1991). As words often appear in the form of collocation, English learners should enlarge their vocabulary not only with their meanings but also their collocations. This thesis illustrates presentation approaches for enlarging vocabulary, effective approaches of consolidating vocabulary, developing vocabulary enlarging approaches. Through these approaches, teachers will help students save large amount of time and efforts and create a more relaxed and efficient English learning environment for better performance.
Abstract: This thesis is the study of enlarging English vocabulary based on the principles of paying attention to culture differences, making full use of context, enlarging English vocabulary through collocation and connotation. This thesis is based on some theories provided by the scholars of the field of English vocabulary learning. According to Harmer (20...
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Examining the Impact of Novel Pre-activity Tasks on Macro-Skills: The Case of Visual Aids Strategy on Writing Ability
Hooshang Khoshsima,
Mahboobeh Khosravani
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
401-408
Received:
19 October 2015
Accepted:
27 October 2015
Published:
13 November 2015
Abstract: The main concern of most researchers in the field of second and foreign language teaching is lessening the problems and eliminating the hinders on the way of learning a language. Writing is considered as one of the most challenging and complicated tasks for learners to perform particularly when they have to write in a second or foreign language. In fact, writing is difficult for students as it demands other linguistic, cognitive and metacognitive strategies to be used (Rao, 2007). Numerous studies were done on the importance of the pre-writing stage and activities which are directly and indirectly related to the theme of the writing. Go (1994) states that teachers of English as a Second Language can use prewriting activities at the earliest stages of instruction to help their students acquire good language skills. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of visual aids as a pre- activity task on writing ability. To this aim 25 Iranian EFL learners, who are at the same level –intermediate- studying at Shokuh and Safir Institutes, Birjand, Iran were chosen. Two groups- one control and one experimental group- were studied. In control group the conventional method was used, while in experimental group, visual aids pre-activity task was administered. Both groups met the same level -Intermediate. At the end, the obtained data of the tests was analyzed by SPSS software. According to the obtained data researcher strongly concluded that visual aids had strongly a positive effect on the learners’ writing ability. This study can help teachers and syllabus designers in choosing and applying an effective pre-activity task.
Abstract: The main concern of most researchers in the field of second and foreign language teaching is lessening the problems and eliminating the hinders on the way of learning a language. Writing is considered as one of the most challenging and complicated tasks for learners to perform particularly when they have to write in a second or foreign language. In...
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Discursive Structure of Humour in Stand-up Comedy Kenya: Discourse Topics and Stylistic Devices in Churchill’s Performances
Mary Muthoni Githatu,
Furaha Chai
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
409-415
Received:
10 October 2015
Accepted:
26 October 2015
Published:
17 November 2015
Abstract: Humour is a central component in stand-up comedy. The intent of a stand-up comedian is to amuse the audience and the audience laughter is a reaction to humour. This studysought to establish the discourse topics established by the stand-up comedian and the stylistic devices embedded in these topics to elicit laughter from the audience. To achieve this, the study focused on selected performances of Churchill, a comedian, in Churchill Live a Kenyan stand-up comedy. The study was guided by General Theory of Verbal Humour, which was useful in identifying the stylistic devices. Churchill routines from three episodes were transcribed for analysis. The results obtained indicate that social class, ethnicity, politics, religion and sports, are the most commonly discussed topics. The stylistic devices employed are contrast, songs, hyperbole, allusion, ridicule, ridicule and flashback.
Abstract: Humour is a central component in stand-up comedy. The intent of a stand-up comedian is to amuse the audience and the audience laughter is a reaction to humour. This studysought to establish the discourse topics established by the stand-up comedian and the stylistic devices embedded in these topics to elicit laughter from the audience. To achieve th...
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Bias in Headlines: Evidence from Newspaper Coverage of the 2012 Ghana Presidential Election Petition
Sarfo-Adu Kwasi,
Amponsah Partey Faustina,
Addo-Danquah Rosemary Gifty
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
416-426
Received:
5 October 2015
Accepted:
23 October 2015
Published:
3 December 2015
Abstract: A nagging concern that has emerged from media bias is its over-riding and manipulative power to influence public opinion and perception. When this bias is unleashed on consumers of news, it can have a devastating consequence on news production and consumption. Since most casual readers take their news from the headlines without reading the accompanying stories, it is more disturbing when newspapers, with their eyes on profit, tantalize the reading public with biased headlines. Against this background, a corpus of 80 headlines culled from four Ghanaian private newspapers was analysed to explore the infusion of bias in headlines in the coverage of the 2012 Ghana Presidential Election Petition. The results showed that a high percentage (81.5%) of the headlines was biased. It was also found out that influenced by which side of the petition the newspapers supported, they employed word choice as the main type of bias, using linguistic choices such as negative words, invectives and loaded words. The findings have implications for media objectivity and fair reportage devoid of ideological slant and judgmental opinions.
Abstract: A nagging concern that has emerged from media bias is its over-riding and manipulative power to influence public opinion and perception. When this bias is unleashed on consumers of news, it can have a devastating consequence on news production and consumption. Since most casual readers take their news from the headlines without reading the accompan...
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On the Translator’s Responsibilities
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
427-435
Received:
5 November 2015
Accepted:
17 November 2015
Published:
10 December 2015
Abstract: With the development of the translation theories, the focus of the translation criticism has also changed. The subjectivity or centeredness of the translator has been a hot topic in China, and the author of this paper considers that it is time to discuss the translator’s responsibilities. This paper will study the responsibilities a translator should bear in detail by analyzing two Chinese versions of a short story written by William Somerset Maugham.
Abstract: With the development of the translation theories, the focus of the translation criticism has also changed. The subjectivity or centeredness of the translator has been a hot topic in China, and the author of this paper considers that it is time to discuss the translator’s responsibilities. This paper will study the responsibilities a translator shou...
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Three Regional Dialects in Turkey
Meryem Karlık,
Azamat Akbarov
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
436-439
Received:
15 November 2015
Accepted:
26 November 2015
Published:
14 December 2015
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to show whether Konya, Çanakkale and Manisa dialects have a diglosic feature or not and how the usage of the components of diglossia is seen in these cities. In order to determine High or Low varieties of the Turkish Language, these three dialects are compared to Istanbul dialects. These cities are different part of Turkey and every of them have migration from other cities. So people are using Low variety in their daily lives even they are supposed to use High variety of Turkish Language when it is a necessity. However, they have communication problems in their conversations in both High and Low variety forms of Turkish Language. We explain similarities and differences between these three dialects comparing with Istanbul dialects via given examples and tables. How people are using the language and even one word cannot be similar to other dialect is shown. Moreover comparing words and verbs with their meanings which are changing in some situations completely would be beneficial in order to understand the diglossic issues in Turkish Language.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to show whether Konya, Çanakkale and Manisa dialects have a diglosic feature or not and how the usage of the components of diglossia is seen in these cities. In order to determine High or Low varieties of the Turkish Language, these three dialects are compared to Istanbul dialects. These cities are different part of T...
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ESP vs EFL; The Case of Learning Strategy Use in an Iranian Context
Aliasghar Ahmadishokouh,
Ali Derikvand
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
440-447
Received:
17 November 2015
Accepted:
26 November 2015
Published:
14 December 2015
Abstract: Learning strategies and learner strategies known as two key variables have affected language learning. These strategies also play a sensitive role in the learning context and in the learner’s internal processing preferences. The present study attempted to investigate language learning strategies used by Iranian EFL and ESP learners. The study sample consisted of 66 language learners (33 EFL learners and 33 ESP learners.). The research instrument was the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) questionnaires (Oxford, 1990a), which is a standardized measure with versions for English as a second language (ESL) students and students of a variety of other languages. Independent-sample T-test was used to compare the means of ESP and EFL learners. The results of the study showed that there is a significant difference between Iranian EFL and ESP learners in terms of employing learning strategies. Furthermore, in order to find the difference within each group in using language learning strategies, repeated-measures on way ANOVA was used. The results of the study showed that there is a significant difference within each group of language learners (ESP and EFL) when it comes to employing learning strategies.
Abstract: Learning strategies and learner strategies known as two key variables have affected language learning. These strategies also play a sensitive role in the learning context and in the learner’s internal processing preferences. The present study attempted to investigate language learning strategies used by Iranian EFL and ESP learners. The study sampl...
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Error Analysis of Kurdish EFL Undergraduate Learners' Accuracy in Speaking English Language
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
448-454
Received:
27 November 2015
Accepted:
5 December 2015
Published:
22 December 2015
Abstract: Using a multiple-case embedded research design (Yin, 1994), this study examined the nature of EFL learners who are learning or acquiring English language as a foreign language. The purpose of this project is to explore the errors/mistakes that might be made by the Kurdish EFL undergraduate learners, with the causes behind them and try to find out the appropriate method to apply it with the foreign language learners in order to learn English language. The data which were collected from them were analyzed in order to explain their errors or mistakes. It would be useful to find out the reasons behind them for those who care about how the English language is learned, and try to find out the appropriate theory to apply it with the FL learners in order to learn it. The data was collected in various ways in order to evaluate their mistakes. This assignment highlights the following aspects: the literature overview of the theories of FL learning, then the methodology, which deals with the two cases, next, participant analyses and finally the conclusion will be presented. The results served as contrasting and to some extent similar case studies. Results suggested that the best way for learning a new language can be through communication and involvement. Examples of evaluating each case were shown. Though, in the analysis there is an indication to the socio-cultural and cognitivist theories are more satisfactory and appropriate than behaviourism in the SLA field, possibly behaviourism is more significant to understand some parts of their history in order to know how they have been taught. On the other hand, this study cannot be generalized due to the small number of the participants and also different personality might have different ways to learn and acquire English language.
Abstract: Using a multiple-case embedded research design (Yin, 1994), this study examined the nature of EFL learners who are learning or acquiring English language as a foreign language. The purpose of this project is to explore the errors/mistakes that might be made by the Kurdish EFL undergraduate learners, with the causes behind them and try to find out t...
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Evaluating Kurdish EFL University Students’ Comprehension of Commercial Advertisements with Reference to Leech’s Types of Meaning
Barham Sattar Abdulrahman
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
455-465
Received:
4 December 2015
Accepted:
14 December 2015
Published:
25 December 2015
Abstract: The current study highlights different types of meaning, conceptual and associative meaning in particular, and their role(s) in some selected English and Kurdish commercial advertisements. It aims at detecting and evaluating the capability of Kurdish EFL university students in comprehending (or decoding) these advertisements. The material to be investigated is the texts that accompany the pictorial element(s) of some English and Kurdish ads. The ads are carefully selected to represent different fields: lottery, food, technological devices, telecommunication system, healthcare, etc. The study assumes that advertising is determined by two essential features, namely universal and national; both have serious impact on the persuasive character of the ads. Moreover, it is hypothesized that the language used to support the pictorial elements of an ad, unless well-selected to affect and promote people’s desire, might have negative consequences on marketing it. The study also hypothesizes that the students comprehend Kurdish ads easily comparing with the English ones. To investigate the hypotheses five samples of ads in each language are selected and analyzed according to well-defined criteria based on Leech’s types of meaning; and a test is designed to evaluate the students’ comprehension in which the students are asked to write their own understanding on the texts found in the ads. The study concludes that in each text different types of meaning are available and the type that supports conveying the hidden message is the associative meaning rather than conceptual one. Moreover, the study concludes that because of their lack of most aspects of English culture, the level of students’ comprehension of Kurdish ads is higher than the English ones.
Abstract: The current study highlights different types of meaning, conceptual and associative meaning in particular, and their role(s) in some selected English and Kurdish commercial advertisements. It aims at detecting and evaluating the capability of Kurdish EFL university students in comprehending (or decoding) these advertisements. The material to be inv...
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“I’m a Learner, I’m Dominantly a Learner”: A Case Study of Code-Switching of an EFL University Teacher Outside Classrooms
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
466-473
Received:
10 December 2015
Accepted:
21 December 2015
Published:
8 January 2016
Abstract: Reported here is part of a bigger study to investigate the code-switching behavior among the foreign language teaching professionals. This study is informed by the Markedness Model and identity-in- Interaction approach with its focus on the social and discourse motivations of code-switching. An ethnographic design is used to collect instances of code-switching of a university EFL teacher outside his classrooms. The findings suggest the code-switching behavior is an important site of their professional identity construction. Large chunks of switching to English in daily communications with peers are used as a strategy for sustained professional development. The positive attitude to code switching shows the high status of the English language and the profession of EFL in China. In the global context, the frequent code-switching to English in an academic setting in Beijing can be seen as an indication of the hegemonic position of the English language in the world academic discourse.
Abstract: Reported here is part of a bigger study to investigate the code-switching behavior among the foreign language teaching professionals. This study is informed by the Markedness Model and identity-in- Interaction approach with its focus on the social and discourse motivations of code-switching. An ethnographic design is used to collect instances of co...
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A Study on Cadets’ EFL Learning Styles Preferences: The Case of Sylhet Cadet College
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
474-480
Received:
19 December 2015
Accepted:
27 December 2015
Published:
8 January 2016
Abstract: Learners’ learning style preference is one of the vital issues in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) arena. Different learners learn English differently. But there must be a close proximity between the teachers’preferred teaching style and the learners’ favored learning style. The present study was done on 145 senior cadets of Sylhet Cadet College. The situation of English in cadets is no doubt good. But there are still some teaching systems that must be reconsidered and therefore renovated teaching styles based on cadets’ style preference should be introduced. To conduct the survey a questionnaire was followed. The findings show that various cadets belong to various categories of learning style. A brief analysis of the findings is presented. Besides, this paper offers some suggestions for the teachers based on the findings of the survey.
Abstract: Learners’ learning style preference is one of the vital issues in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) arena. Different learners learn English differently. But there must be a close proximity between the teachers’preferred teaching style and the learners’ favored learning style. The present study was done on 145 senior cadets of Sylhet Cadet Col...
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Trying K-W-L Strategy on Teaching Reading Comprehension to Passive Students in Vietnam
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
481-492
Received:
13 December 2015
Accepted:
21 December 2015
Published:
11 January 2016
Abstract: In the project to discover the difficulties facing Vietnamese learners of English and the solution, being the Special Issue in the International Journal of Language and Linguistics, numbered 501024 (http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/specialissue/501024), reading comprehension is one of the difficulties to be discovered facing Vietnam learners, for which the solution discussed in this paper was analyzed to complete the project for the Special Issue 501024. Therefore, this study focuses on the importance of the Schema theory in reading comprehension. To prove the benefit of prior knowledge, K-W-L strategy was used as treatment in the experiment. The hypothesis was that the K-W-L method would help passive students improve their reading comprehension skill. The final target was trying to change students from negative attitudes to positive feeling towards reading class after the K-W-L method was used and to improve Vietnamese students’ reading skill as well as catching the main idea in the reading texts in order to have successful communication in English. As a result, the research has proved the effect of the treatment. It also suggested a way to control a reading class, to create an interesting and exciting atmosphere to improve students’ reading comprehension skill.
Abstract: In the project to discover the difficulties facing Vietnamese learners of English and the solution, being the Special Issue in the International Journal of Language and Linguistics, numbered 501024 (http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/specialissue/501024), reading comprehension is one of the difficulties to be discovered facing Vietnam learners, ...
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The Semantics of Grammatical Elements: A New Solution
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
493-509
Received:
13 December 2015
Accepted:
4 January 2016
Published:
11 January 2016
Abstract: This article is an extremely brief introduction to a new theory in the philosophy of language, called Operational Linguistics (OL). OL deals mainly with the semantics of grammatical elements (adpositions/cases, conjunctions, verbs such as to be and to have, modal verbs, numerals, quantity-related, demonstrative and interrogative-relative pronouns/adjectives, main adverbs, negative, interrogative etc.) and terms (“subject”, “object”, “noun”, “verb” etc.), and is based on the fundamental presupposition that their meaning is mainly given by operations within cognitive functions, amongst which those of attention play a key role. Therefore, the meaning of grammatical elements and terms is defined in extra linguistic terms, i. e., based on something other than language. The theory is unitary, in that it accounts for all the grammatical elements and terms on the basis of the same (few) theoretical presuppositions.
Abstract: This article is an extremely brief introduction to a new theory in the philosophy of language, called Operational Linguistics (OL). OL deals mainly with the semantics of grammatical elements (adpositions/cases, conjunctions, verbs such as to be and to have, modal verbs, numerals, quantity-related, demonstrative and interrogative-relative pronouns/a...
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Cameroon Pidgin English at the Service of Local Culture, Science and Technology
Issue:
Volume 3, Issue 6, November 2015
Pages:
510-515
Received:
9 August 2015
Accepted:
6 November 2015
Published:
25 January 2016
Abstract: Despite divergent views about the status of Cameroon Pidgin English (henceforth CPE), some researchers such as Atechi (2011); Chia (1983); Mbangwana (2004) etc. are nevertheless unanimous that the language is the most widely spoken lingua franca in the country. Kouega (2008), came up with a dictionary of Cameroon Pidgin English to buttress the fact that it is an autonomous language which has attained maturity. Alobwede (1998: 54) carried out a survey on the acquisition of Pidgin English and English as a first language in some major towns in Cameroon and indicates that CPE is the majority language in Bamenda, Mamfe, Kumba, Buea, Limbe, Douala and Yaounde when compared to the acquisition of English. Equally, Mbangwana (2004:23) posits that 97.8% Anglophone and 61.8% francophone Cameroonian urban dwellers speak CPE. From the statistics above, it is evident that more people are proficient in CPE, feel at home with it, and use it more than the official languages (English and French). Consequently, most cultural, scientific and technological knowledge is concealed from the majority of speakers since it is essentially available in English or French, languages they are not very conversant with. In this paper, I am examining how widespread CPE is, as well as the potential and capacity of the language in expressing local cultural, scientific and technical knowledge and how such knowledge could be captured in CPE. Data will be collected through participant observation, literary works of arts, local newspapers published in English and from Kouega’s (2008) dictionary on Cameroon Pidgin English. The data will be analysed using the Domain Analysis approach propounded by James Bradley (1980).
Abstract: Despite divergent views about the status of Cameroon Pidgin English (henceforth CPE), some researchers such as Atechi (2011); Chia (1983); Mbangwana (2004) etc. are nevertheless unanimous that the language is the most widely spoken lingua franca in the country. Kouega (2008), came up with a dictionary of Cameroon Pidgin English to buttress the fact...
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