The study is based on an observation of the pronunciation of a group of undergraduate students of English as a Second Language （ESL） whose mother tongue is Arabic and who have no formal training in the spoken variet...The study is based on an observation of the pronunciation of a group of undergraduate students of English as a Second Language （ESL） whose mother tongue is Arabic and who have no formal training in the spoken variety of English other than that received in the classroom. The study of acquisition of pronunciation of consonant clusters at morphological, particularly at the morphophonological levels indicates that the learners are sensitive to the syllabic structure viz., cccv type and cccvcc type, at the word-initial, medial and final positions. Samples of words with different consonant clusters were tested with a homogeneous group of students. Words of identical morphological categories were used as the data to test the students＇ level of perception. These were analyzed using Speech Analyzer Version 2.5. The data includes consonant clusters like plosive-fricative, plosive-plosive, fricative-fricative and plosive-fricative-trill/liquid combinations. The results varied according to the perceptual and articulatory abilities of the learners. It was observed that the plosive perception and acquisition of three-consonant clusters of plosive-plosive word initially, plosive-plosive combinations word finally and plosive-fricative type, posed more difficulty for the learners. The tendency to drop one of the consonants of the cluster was more pronounced with syllables ending in plural morphemes and those ending in -mp, -pt, -kt, -nt, -bt, etc. Difficulty was also noticed with the initial plosive＋/r/, plosive＋/1/combinations, especially in word initial positions. Across the syllable boundaries, these clusters are almost inaudible with some speakers. The difficulty in the articulation of these consonant clusters can be accounted for the mother tongue influence, as in the case of many other features. The results of the analysis have a pedagogical implication in the use of such words with consonant clusters, to teach reading skills to the students of undergraduate level in the present setting and promote self-learning through the use of speech tools.展开更多
This paper is first to exemplify the problems caused by culture difference. After this, a survey is made on Chinese-western culture difference and its main aspects, followed by the Chinese and western culture differen...This paper is first to exemplify the problems caused by culture difference. After this, a survey is made on Chinese-western culture difference and its main aspects, followed by the Chinese and western culture difference on the layer of language. In the second part the discussion of the relationship between language and culture reveals the importance of culture education in language teaching. The author is of the opinion that one cannot really master a target language without adequate knowledge of the culture related to that language. The paper concludes with several suggestions about useful ways to get culture fusion in ELT and points out that human beings do not live in the objective world alone, nor alone in the world of social activity as ordinarily understood but are very much at the mercy of the particular language which has become the medium of expression for their society. It is quite an illusion that language is merely an incidental means of solving specific problems of communication or reflection.展开更多
The present paper concems itself with the overview of the assessment of intercultural communicative competence in the field of language testing worldwide, hoping to emphasize the importance of culture testing in langu...The present paper concems itself with the overview of the assessment of intercultural communicative competence in the field of language testing worldwide, hoping to emphasize the importance of culture testing in language projects, provide some insightful information for test item constructors, educators, authorities as well.展开更多
The paper analyzes the definition of culture, and discusses the relationship between culture and language. By reviewing culture teaching and language teaching approaches, the paper puts forward some practical concerns...The paper analyzes the definition of culture, and discusses the relationship between culture and language. By reviewing culture teaching and language teaching approaches, the paper puts forward some practical concerns about language teaching which firmly fabricate with culture teaching.展开更多
Through the analysis of the translation of words, phrases, sentences and passages, this paper discusses the problem of whether to put emphasis on the translation of the meaning or on the reservation of the forms of th...Through the analysis of the translation of words, phrases, sentences and passages, this paper discusses the problem of whether to put emphasis on the translation of the meaning or on the reservation of the forms of the original works in translation. This paper puts forward that the translation of the meaning is more important, and the meaning of the original should take the advantage when the forms and the meanings cannot be reserved at the same time. And it also says that in no way should the translator sacrifice the translation of the meaning for the sake of keeping the form, and the translator should avoid translating word for word without thinking of the translation of the meaning. This paper also discusses about the consideration of the style of the original, the target readers and the style of the writer. This paper puts forward that in translation importance should be placed on the translation of the meaning rather than keeping the form.展开更多
With the development of the society, culture is becoming a crucial factor in language teaching. This paper tries to discuss in detail how to do culture teaching effectively from the following aspects： plotting, theme...With the development of the society, culture is becoming a crucial factor in language teaching. This paper tries to discuss in detail how to do culture teaching effectively from the following aspects： plotting, theme, rhythm, flow and ending.展开更多
The paper makes a case study of the intercultural communication failure, which is caused by the presence of stereotypes and preconceptions. It analyzes the communication problems with Hyme＇s SPEAKING framework. From ...The paper makes a case study of the intercultural communication failure, which is caused by the presence of stereotypes and preconceptions. It analyzes the communication problems with Hyme＇s SPEAKING framework. From the analysis, it is concluded, that individuals who hope to carry out effective intercultural interaction must learn to understand the expectations and preconceptions of those they want to talk with.展开更多
According to the model of Dornyei three levels （language level, learner level, learning situation level） of foreign language learning motivation, the paper mainly discusses ＂course-specific motivational components...According to the model of Dornyei three levels （language level, learner level, learning situation level） of foreign language learning motivation, the paper mainly discusses ＂course-specific motivational components＂ from learning situation level, and puts forward advantages and disadvantages of the model. Basing on the model, the paper further expounds relative contents relating to learner＇s motivation, for example, syllabus, teaching methods and learning tasks. At last, the paper states the existing problems in language teaching and learning, at the same time, pointing out some suggestions.展开更多
A ShadowNet-based communication mode was designed,and some related activities planned and carried out,for an experimental cooperative project between two universities in China and the US.The students' post-survey ...A ShadowNet-based communication mode was designed,and some related activities planned and carried out,for an experimental cooperative project between two universities in China and the US.The students' post-survey results from both parties were analyzed and compared and it appeared that the ShadowNet system helped the students improve the following:an awareness of cultural difference,an openness toward cultural diversity,and a deeper appreciation for the significance of cultural identity in language learning and teaching.It also facilitated some direct improvements in the language acquisition of the Chinese ESL learners and the teaching ability of their American counter-parts.展开更多
文摘The study is based on an observation of the pronunciation of a group of undergraduate students of English as a Second Language （ESL） whose mother tongue is Arabic and who have no formal training in the spoken variety of English other than that received in the classroom. The study of acquisition of pronunciation of consonant clusters at morphological, particularly at the morphophonological levels indicates that the learners are sensitive to the syllabic structure viz., cccv type and cccvcc type, at the word-initial, medial and final positions. Samples of words with different consonant clusters were tested with a homogeneous group of students. Words of identical morphological categories were used as the data to test the students＇ level of perception. These were analyzed using Speech Analyzer Version 2.5. The data includes consonant clusters like plosive-fricative, plosive-plosive, fricative-fricative and plosive-fricative-trill/liquid combinations. The results varied according to the perceptual and articulatory abilities of the learners. It was observed that the plosive perception and acquisition of three-consonant clusters of plosive-plosive word initially, plosive-plosive combinations word finally and plosive-fricative type, posed more difficulty for the learners. The tendency to drop one of the consonants of the cluster was more pronounced with syllables ending in plural morphemes and those ending in -mp, -pt, -kt, -nt, -bt, etc. Difficulty was also noticed with the initial plosive＋/r/, plosive＋/1/combinations, especially in word initial positions. Across the syllable boundaries, these clusters are almost inaudible with some speakers. The difficulty in the articulation of these consonant clusters can be accounted for the mother tongue influence, as in the case of many other features. The results of the analysis have a pedagogical implication in the use of such words with consonant clusters, to teach reading skills to the students of undergraduate level in the present setting and promote self-learning through the use of speech tools.
文摘This paper is first to exemplify the problems caused by culture difference. After this, a survey is made on Chinese-western culture difference and its main aspects, followed by the Chinese and western culture difference on the layer of language. In the second part the discussion of the relationship between language and culture reveals the importance of culture education in language teaching. The author is of the opinion that one cannot really master a target language without adequate knowledge of the culture related to that language. The paper concludes with several suggestions about useful ways to get culture fusion in ELT and points out that human beings do not live in the objective world alone, nor alone in the world of social activity as ordinarily understood but are very much at the mercy of the particular language which has become the medium of expression for their society. It is quite an illusion that language is merely an incidental means of solving specific problems of communication or reflection.
文摘The present paper concems itself with the overview of the assessment of intercultural communicative competence in the field of language testing worldwide, hoping to emphasize the importance of culture testing in language projects, provide some insightful information for test item constructors, educators, authorities as well.
文摘The paper analyzes the definition of culture, and discusses the relationship between culture and language. By reviewing culture teaching and language teaching approaches, the paper puts forward some practical concerns about language teaching which firmly fabricate with culture teaching.
文摘Through the analysis of the translation of words, phrases, sentences and passages, this paper discusses the problem of whether to put emphasis on the translation of the meaning or on the reservation of the forms of the original works in translation. This paper puts forward that the translation of the meaning is more important, and the meaning of the original should take the advantage when the forms and the meanings cannot be reserved at the same time. And it also says that in no way should the translator sacrifice the translation of the meaning for the sake of keeping the form, and the translator should avoid translating word for word without thinking of the translation of the meaning. This paper also discusses about the consideration of the style of the original, the target readers and the style of the writer. This paper puts forward that in translation importance should be placed on the translation of the meaning rather than keeping the form.
文摘With the development of the society, culture is becoming a crucial factor in language teaching. This paper tries to discuss in detail how to do culture teaching effectively from the following aspects： plotting, theme, rhythm, flow and ending.
文摘The paper makes a case study of the intercultural communication failure, which is caused by the presence of stereotypes and preconceptions. It analyzes the communication problems with Hyme＇s SPEAKING framework. From the analysis, it is concluded, that individuals who hope to carry out effective intercultural interaction must learn to understand the expectations and preconceptions of those they want to talk with.
文摘According to the model of Dornyei three levels （language level, learner level, learning situation level） of foreign language learning motivation, the paper mainly discusses ＂course-specific motivational components＂ from learning situation level, and puts forward advantages and disadvantages of the model. Basing on the model, the paper further expounds relative contents relating to learner＇s motivation, for example, syllabus, teaching methods and learning tasks. At last, the paper states the existing problems in language teaching and learning, at the same time, pointing out some suggestions.
文摘A ShadowNet-based communication mode was designed,and some related activities planned and carried out,for an experimental cooperative project between two universities in China and the US.The students' post-survey results from both parties were analyzed and compared and it appeared that the ShadowNet system helped the students improve the following:an awareness of cultural difference,an openness toward cultural diversity,and a deeper appreciation for the significance of cultural identity in language learning and teaching.It also facilitated some direct improvements in the language acquisition of the Chinese ESL learners and the teaching ability of their American counter-parts.
