This study aims at investigating the effect of using L 1 (Arabic Language) while teaching a target language (English Language) on the achievement in General English of foundation year students in King Abdulaziz Un...This study aims at investigating the effect of using L 1 (Arabic Language) while teaching a target language (English Language) on the achievement in General English of foundation year students in King Abdulaziz University. To achieve the purpose of the study, the researcher used an experimental design: an experimental group and a control group. The independent variable is using L1 while teaching English in very limited and specified areas. The dependent variable is students' achievement in general English. The statistics used is the t-test. The population of the study was all students enrolled in the foundation year 1431/1432 in the ELI (English Language Institute) at King Abdulaziz University. The sample of the study consisted of 50 students taking North Star in the sections A and B as a university requirement in the foundation year 1431/1432 in King Abdulaziz University. The results of the study were in favor of banning Arabic in the English language classroom as shown in the mean scores of the control and experimental groups in the tables. It is recommended that teachers and instructors should be trained to use teaching strategies that help them use English only in the English language classroom.展开更多
The teaching of speaking has been neglected in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) settings throughout language history which led to negative effects on EFL teachers' and learners' attitudes. While teachers exhibi...The teaching of speaking has been neglected in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) settings throughout language history which led to negative effects on EFL teachers' and learners' attitudes. While teachers exhibit hesitation having no preset teaching paradigms at their disposal, learners experience withdrawal in speaking situations that demand interactional ease and socio-pragmatic awareness. Indeed, both the type of instruction and the complexity of this skill make of the teaching of spoken language a highly controversial issue especially with the implicit dichotomy that speaking entails and which opposes accurate mastery of linguistic patterns to ease or facility in meaning transmission. This paper aims at reconsidering the way this dormant skill has been tackled and the interfering variables that should be rethought and revisited while dealing with it.展开更多
Exploring the differences in phonemes and cross-linguistic influences, particularly by comparing the pronunciation patterns of English and Mandarin, is crucial for language learners. Such comparative studies can help ...Exploring the differences in phonemes and cross-linguistic influences, particularly by comparing the pronunciation patterns of English and Mandarin, is crucial for language learners. Such comparative studies can help learners better understand and overcome the pronunciation difficulties encountered during second language acquisition. English and Mandarin have significant differences in their vowel and consonant systems, tones, intonation, and syllable structures. A deep understanding of these differences allows learners to engage in targeted pronunciation training, reducing accent interference. This research provides guidance for improving language teaching methods, enabling teachers to design more effective pronunciation strategies and exercises based on the students’ native language backgrounds, thus enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, cross-linguistic studies aid in improving speech recognition and conversion technologies, achieving higher accuracy and naturalness in multilingual speech processing systems. From a cultural exchange perspective, understanding and respecting the phonetic characteristics of different languages help to enhance the effectiveness and mutual understanding in cross-cultural communication. The comparative study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns not only provides a theoretical foundation for language education and technological applications but also promotes effective communication in multilingual environments. This thesis uses a comparative research method to elucidate the study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns. It begins with an analysis of the characteristics and similarities of the pronunciation patterns in both languages. The thesis then examines the differences between English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns through four aspects: the number and complexity of vowel phonemes, types and distribution of consonant phonemes, tones and stress, and intonation and phonetic phenomena. Finally, based on the comparative analysis of the differences, the thesis offers targeted policy recommendations for learning English and Mandarin.展开更多
Textbooks on phonology and on teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) often present the place of articulation of the sibilant/s/and its voiced counterpart/z/as a settled matter. The/s/and/z/are described and lis...Textbooks on phonology and on teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) often present the place of articulation of the sibilant/s/and its voiced counterpart/z/as a settled matter. The/s/and/z/are described and listed in phonological charts as "alveolar fricatives", meaning that the tongue is raised and the apex approaches the alveolar ridge. Those teaching pronunciation or remediating speech problems often use these descriptions by the IPA (International Phonetic Association) as models for teaching these phonemes. A number of linguists and instructors, however, have suggested that an acceptable/s/and/z/sound can be produced in English by other means This study attempted to determine the prevalence of the acceptable alternative placements for the/s/and/z/sounds in a sample of 50 English-speaking university students. Results revealed that 64% of participants used alternate tongue positions to that described in the literature as standard. Implications for speech pathology and ESL instruction are discussed.展开更多
This paper aims to discuss the growth of EIL (English as an international language), which leads English to be used around the world and adapted by different cultures because people use this language based on their ...This paper aims to discuss the growth of EIL (English as an international language), which leads English to be used around the world and adapted by different cultures because people use this language based on their own identity For Indonesians who learn EFL (English as a foreign language), for instance, they do not need to adapt to a new culture. In EFL learning process, acquiring a native speaker accent seems to be unnecessary because there is no single standard of pronunciation. In addition, it is not necessary to ask learners imitating Western culture. Learning English can be viewed as an opportunity for Indonesians to have cross-cultural awareness. Despite its potentially positive consequences, learning English can also lead to a serious problem. This statement is based on the reason that English has greater social power than the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) because it is now used as a medium in several aspects of life. Furthermore, English is more accessible because of the global spread of information using this language through media, such as television and Internet. Consequently, it is possible that Indonesian learners would take pride in using English in their daily lives. The primary method used in this paper is literature investigation. From the discussion, it is found that EFL teachers are expected to be able to know the goal of foreign language teaching and its final product, comprehend the importance of a communicative approach, and give learners understanding that each nation has its own culture and there is no superiority among others. It is also important for them to respect languages and cultures in which the teaching and learning process occurs. In other words, teachers' cultural sensitivity is needed展开更多
With the spread of globalization and information technology, the status of English as a lingua franca worldwide is undisputable. Consequently, the impact of globalization on ELT (English language teaching) is phenom...With the spread of globalization and information technology, the status of English as a lingua franca worldwide is undisputable. Consequently, the impact of globalization on ELT (English language teaching) is phenomenal. In responding to the impact of global competitors and internationalization, English teaching is often regarded as a principal issue in education. English education is treated as a tool to keep up with the rapid globalization of the world economy. Discussing ELT in Taiwan as an example, this paper aims to raise caution among the periphery educators that under the impact of globalization, the imposition of western culture and language via ELT could be potentially hegemonic and harmful to the local culture and language. This paper will be organized into three parts. Firstly, the impact of globalization on the dominance of English will be discussed. Secondly, the potential threats of linguistic hegemony via ELT will be analyzed. Thirdly, proactive solutions to the hegemonic threats of ELT are proposed as the key to ride out the wave of globalization.展开更多
"微媒体时代"背景下,将移动学习模式引入到独立学院的大学英语教学,可以培养符合时代发展需求的高素质应用型综合人才。学生利用碎片化时间,利用"VOA Special English"手机App进行移动学习最新的新闻英语听力,练习..."微媒体时代"背景下,将移动学习模式引入到独立学院的大学英语教学,可以培养符合时代发展需求的高素质应用型综合人才。学生利用碎片化时间,利用"VOA Special English"手机App进行移动学习最新的新闻英语听力,练习口语表达。该软件的互动性、时效性及纯正规范的发音能激发学生学习兴趣,培养学生自主学习能力,从而提高学生综合听说能力。展开更多
In the present paper, a comparison is made of the three formats in the history of EECU (English education in China's universities). In the first period (1904-1949), English education was conducted separately in g...In the present paper, a comparison is made of the three formats in the history of EECU (English education in China's universities). In the first period (1904-1949), English education was conducted separately in government-managed educational institutions and in institutions sponsored by church-related organizations; English education was well-knit with both general education and specialty education; and self-motivating learning was encouraged. In the second period (1950-1966), almost everything was tinted with a shady color of politics: A halt was addressed drastically to EEC (English education in China) in 1952. In the gradual recovery that started four years later, the second format was sawed and hammered, showing the following features: All non-government-mamaged institutions vanished from the stage; English was taught solely as a language or a system of verbal parts, almost deprived of all cultural loading. The third period (1978 onwards) has witnessed a barrier-free and rapid development of over three decades, resulting in the unprecedented pervasion of EECU. Yet in the third tbrmat, learners' efforts have turned wholly test-oriented, degenerating into the saddening disintegrity of learning as a process into isolated charges to the target of a test at a time; the ignorant reduction of the learning methods to "Vocabulary Booklets Plus Collections of Test Papers". Such a comparison not only provides a multi-dimensional perspective of EECU and a better understanding of it, but also offers some important experiences and lessons for the search of an effective solution to the pervasive problem of"Time-Consumingness and Low-Efficiency".展开更多
Understanding discipline-specific texts in English is a basic requirement for science students, who must develop their content knowledge and language skills. Particularly, interesting is the fact that the language of ...Understanding discipline-specific texts in English is a basic requirement for science students, who must develop their content knowledge and language skills. Particularly, interesting is the fact that the language of science is characterized by the use of figurative language, which appeals to the common knowledge of the world, mainly to explain, clarify, and describe intricate concepts. Metaphors are helpful for lexicalizing new concepts and meanings or extending the meanings of pre-existing words. The analysis of tropes as a means to improve foreign language learners' reading competence is a rather novel teaching practice in ESP (English for Specific Purposes), implemented at the University of Rio Cuarto, Argentina. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explain the theoretical basis for teaching and developing metaphorical competence in ESP classes as a means of providing an intellectually stimulating alternative approach, and to present some teaching ideas and activities designed to familiarize students with the use of metaphorical language in scientific discourse in order to enhance their reading competence.展开更多
This paper aims to discuss some important cultural connotations of English idioms in the perspectives of historical backgrounds, religion, productive activities, and sports activities etc. and thereby suggests some ap...This paper aims to discuss some important cultural connotations of English idioms in the perspectives of historical backgrounds, religion, productive activities, and sports activities etc. and thereby suggests some approaches to their translation regarding the complexity of reproducing, replacing and changing the image in the idioms.展开更多
Sexism in the English Language is the reflector of a social sexism. The thesis is not only to discuss phenomena of sexism in English in terms of morphology, syntax and semantics, but also to focus on the origins and p...Sexism in the English Language is the reflector of a social sexism. The thesis is not only to discuss phenomena of sexism in English in terms of morphology, syntax and semantics, but also to focus on the origins and point out the ways of desexism.展开更多
<Abstuact>Communicative approach in English language teaching(ELT) is frequently discussed and debated.It is believed by many linguists and teachers to be an effective methodtosolvesomeoftheteachingandlearningpr...<Abstuact>Communicative approach in English language teaching(ELT) is frequently discussed and debated.It is believed by many linguists and teachers to be an effective methodtosolvesomeoftheteachingandlearningproblems.Thispapergivesacomprehensiveaccountoftheapproach.ItpresentstheadvantagesofcommunicativeapproachintheteachingofEnglishlanguageandhowtoapplyitbymeansofclassroomactivities.ItsuggeststhatEnglishteachersshouldconductfurtherresearchtoremedytheshortcomingsinEnglishteaching.展开更多
When one begins to learn a foreign language, he will find the habits of his native tongue often interfere with his learning the sounds of the new language. Chinese students,especially adults,often find it hard to pron...When one begins to learn a foreign language, he will find the habits of his native tongue often interfere with his learning the sounds of the new language. Chinese students,especially adults,often find it hard to pronounce some English sounds properly;teachers sometimes also find English sounds can not be casily taught by simply telling a learner what to do with his lips,teeth or tongue etc. Even some English major students find they arc misunderstood because of their incorrect use of a phoneme or an incorrect stress.In a listening test, some students fail to catch the meaning of a certain phrase or a word because they are not familiar with a word juncture or intonation. When a Chinese student learns English pronunciation, he might meet several difficulties.The following are the main factors which may affect his learning, of English.展开更多
English speech is a discourse delivered at an assembly or on formal occasions. As a variety of the English language, English speech has a unique presentation of its own. This paper, as its title indicates, is to analy...English speech is a discourse delivered at an assembly or on formal occasions. As a variety of the English language, English speech has a unique presentation of its own. This paper, as its title indicates, is to analyze and probe the linguistic and rhetorical features of famous English speeches with a view to improving the ability to appreciate English speeches on the part of Chinese learners of English.展开更多
文摘This study aims at investigating the effect of using L 1 (Arabic Language) while teaching a target language (English Language) on the achievement in General English of foundation year students in King Abdulaziz University. To achieve the purpose of the study, the researcher used an experimental design: an experimental group and a control group. The independent variable is using L1 while teaching English in very limited and specified areas. The dependent variable is students' achievement in general English. The statistics used is the t-test. The population of the study was all students enrolled in the foundation year 1431/1432 in the ELI (English Language Institute) at King Abdulaziz University. The sample of the study consisted of 50 students taking North Star in the sections A and B as a university requirement in the foundation year 1431/1432 in King Abdulaziz University. The results of the study were in favor of banning Arabic in the English language classroom as shown in the mean scores of the control and experimental groups in the tables. It is recommended that teachers and instructors should be trained to use teaching strategies that help them use English only in the English language classroom.
文摘The teaching of speaking has been neglected in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) settings throughout language history which led to negative effects on EFL teachers' and learners' attitudes. While teachers exhibit hesitation having no preset teaching paradigms at their disposal, learners experience withdrawal in speaking situations that demand interactional ease and socio-pragmatic awareness. Indeed, both the type of instruction and the complexity of this skill make of the teaching of spoken language a highly controversial issue especially with the implicit dichotomy that speaking entails and which opposes accurate mastery of linguistic patterns to ease or facility in meaning transmission. This paper aims at reconsidering the way this dormant skill has been tackled and the interfering variables that should be rethought and revisited while dealing with it.
文摘Exploring the differences in phonemes and cross-linguistic influences, particularly by comparing the pronunciation patterns of English and Mandarin, is crucial for language learners. Such comparative studies can help learners better understand and overcome the pronunciation difficulties encountered during second language acquisition. English and Mandarin have significant differences in their vowel and consonant systems, tones, intonation, and syllable structures. A deep understanding of these differences allows learners to engage in targeted pronunciation training, reducing accent interference. This research provides guidance for improving language teaching methods, enabling teachers to design more effective pronunciation strategies and exercises based on the students’ native language backgrounds, thus enhancing learning outcomes. Additionally, cross-linguistic studies aid in improving speech recognition and conversion technologies, achieving higher accuracy and naturalness in multilingual speech processing systems. From a cultural exchange perspective, understanding and respecting the phonetic characteristics of different languages help to enhance the effectiveness and mutual understanding in cross-cultural communication. The comparative study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns not only provides a theoretical foundation for language education and technological applications but also promotes effective communication in multilingual environments. This thesis uses a comparative research method to elucidate the study of English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns. It begins with an analysis of the characteristics and similarities of the pronunciation patterns in both languages. The thesis then examines the differences between English and Mandarin pronunciation patterns through four aspects: the number and complexity of vowel phonemes, types and distribution of consonant phonemes, tones and stress, and intonation and phonetic phenomena. Finally, based on the comparative analysis of the differences, the thesis offers targeted policy recommendations for learning English and Mandarin.
文摘Textbooks on phonology and on teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) often present the place of articulation of the sibilant/s/and its voiced counterpart/z/as a settled matter. The/s/and/z/are described and listed in phonological charts as "alveolar fricatives", meaning that the tongue is raised and the apex approaches the alveolar ridge. Those teaching pronunciation or remediating speech problems often use these descriptions by the IPA (International Phonetic Association) as models for teaching these phonemes. A number of linguists and instructors, however, have suggested that an acceptable/s/and/z/sound can be produced in English by other means This study attempted to determine the prevalence of the acceptable alternative placements for the/s/and/z/sounds in a sample of 50 English-speaking university students. Results revealed that 64% of participants used alternate tongue positions to that described in the literature as standard. Implications for speech pathology and ESL instruction are discussed.
文摘This paper aims to discuss the growth of EIL (English as an international language), which leads English to be used around the world and adapted by different cultures because people use this language based on their own identity For Indonesians who learn EFL (English as a foreign language), for instance, they do not need to adapt to a new culture. In EFL learning process, acquiring a native speaker accent seems to be unnecessary because there is no single standard of pronunciation. In addition, it is not necessary to ask learners imitating Western culture. Learning English can be viewed as an opportunity for Indonesians to have cross-cultural awareness. Despite its potentially positive consequences, learning English can also lead to a serious problem. This statement is based on the reason that English has greater social power than the Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) because it is now used as a medium in several aspects of life. Furthermore, English is more accessible because of the global spread of information using this language through media, such as television and Internet. Consequently, it is possible that Indonesian learners would take pride in using English in their daily lives. The primary method used in this paper is literature investigation. From the discussion, it is found that EFL teachers are expected to be able to know the goal of foreign language teaching and its final product, comprehend the importance of a communicative approach, and give learners understanding that each nation has its own culture and there is no superiority among others. It is also important for them to respect languages and cultures in which the teaching and learning process occurs. In other words, teachers' cultural sensitivity is needed
文摘With the spread of globalization and information technology, the status of English as a lingua franca worldwide is undisputable. Consequently, the impact of globalization on ELT (English language teaching) is phenomenal. In responding to the impact of global competitors and internationalization, English teaching is often regarded as a principal issue in education. English education is treated as a tool to keep up with the rapid globalization of the world economy. Discussing ELT in Taiwan as an example, this paper aims to raise caution among the periphery educators that under the impact of globalization, the imposition of western culture and language via ELT could be potentially hegemonic and harmful to the local culture and language. This paper will be organized into three parts. Firstly, the impact of globalization on the dominance of English will be discussed. Secondly, the potential threats of linguistic hegemony via ELT will be analyzed. Thirdly, proactive solutions to the hegemonic threats of ELT are proposed as the key to ride out the wave of globalization.
文摘"微媒体时代"背景下,将移动学习模式引入到独立学院的大学英语教学,可以培养符合时代发展需求的高素质应用型综合人才。学生利用碎片化时间,利用"VOA Special English"手机App进行移动学习最新的新闻英语听力,练习口语表达。该软件的互动性、时效性及纯正规范的发音能激发学生学习兴趣,培养学生自主学习能力,从而提高学生综合听说能力。
文摘In the present paper, a comparison is made of the three formats in the history of EECU (English education in China's universities). In the first period (1904-1949), English education was conducted separately in government-managed educational institutions and in institutions sponsored by church-related organizations; English education was well-knit with both general education and specialty education; and self-motivating learning was encouraged. In the second period (1950-1966), almost everything was tinted with a shady color of politics: A halt was addressed drastically to EEC (English education in China) in 1952. In the gradual recovery that started four years later, the second format was sawed and hammered, showing the following features: All non-government-mamaged institutions vanished from the stage; English was taught solely as a language or a system of verbal parts, almost deprived of all cultural loading. The third period (1978 onwards) has witnessed a barrier-free and rapid development of over three decades, resulting in the unprecedented pervasion of EECU. Yet in the third tbrmat, learners' efforts have turned wholly test-oriented, degenerating into the saddening disintegrity of learning as a process into isolated charges to the target of a test at a time; the ignorant reduction of the learning methods to "Vocabulary Booklets Plus Collections of Test Papers". Such a comparison not only provides a multi-dimensional perspective of EECU and a better understanding of it, but also offers some important experiences and lessons for the search of an effective solution to the pervasive problem of"Time-Consumingness and Low-Efficiency".
文摘Understanding discipline-specific texts in English is a basic requirement for science students, who must develop their content knowledge and language skills. Particularly, interesting is the fact that the language of science is characterized by the use of figurative language, which appeals to the common knowledge of the world, mainly to explain, clarify, and describe intricate concepts. Metaphors are helpful for lexicalizing new concepts and meanings or extending the meanings of pre-existing words. The analysis of tropes as a means to improve foreign language learners' reading competence is a rather novel teaching practice in ESP (English for Specific Purposes), implemented at the University of Rio Cuarto, Argentina. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explain the theoretical basis for teaching and developing metaphorical competence in ESP classes as a means of providing an intellectually stimulating alternative approach, and to present some teaching ideas and activities designed to familiarize students with the use of metaphorical language in scientific discourse in order to enhance their reading competence.
文摘This paper aims to discuss some important cultural connotations of English idioms in the perspectives of historical backgrounds, religion, productive activities, and sports activities etc. and thereby suggests some approaches to their translation regarding the complexity of reproducing, replacing and changing the image in the idioms.
文摘Sexism in the English Language is the reflector of a social sexism. The thesis is not only to discuss phenomena of sexism in English in terms of morphology, syntax and semantics, but also to focus on the origins and point out the ways of desexism.
文摘<Abstuact>Communicative approach in English language teaching(ELT) is frequently discussed and debated.It is believed by many linguists and teachers to be an effective methodtosolvesomeoftheteachingandlearningproblems.Thispapergivesacomprehensiveaccountoftheapproach.ItpresentstheadvantagesofcommunicativeapproachintheteachingofEnglishlanguageandhowtoapplyitbymeansofclassroomactivities.ItsuggeststhatEnglishteachersshouldconductfurtherresearchtoremedytheshortcomingsinEnglishteaching.
文摘When one begins to learn a foreign language, he will find the habits of his native tongue often interfere with his learning the sounds of the new language. Chinese students,especially adults,often find it hard to pronounce some English sounds properly;teachers sometimes also find English sounds can not be casily taught by simply telling a learner what to do with his lips,teeth or tongue etc. Even some English major students find they arc misunderstood because of their incorrect use of a phoneme or an incorrect stress.In a listening test, some students fail to catch the meaning of a certain phrase or a word because they are not familiar with a word juncture or intonation. When a Chinese student learns English pronunciation, he might meet several difficulties.The following are the main factors which may affect his learning, of English.
文摘English speech is a discourse delivered at an assembly or on formal occasions. As a variety of the English language, English speech has a unique presentation of its own. This paper, as its title indicates, is to analyze and probe the linguistic and rhetorical features of famous English speeches with a view to improving the ability to appreciate English speeches on the part of Chinese learners of English.