In the domain of teaching reading of college English in China, to some extent, the words "teacher control" and "learner autonomy" have been miscomprehended by some teachers. This article argues that both teacher c...In the domain of teaching reading of college English in China, to some extent, the words "teacher control" and "learner autonomy" have been miscomprehended by some teachers. This article argues that both teacher control and learner autonomy play an important role in the process of foreign language learning. Too much or too little control may lead to the failure of learning effectively. Tasks can be accomplished effectively through teacher's balancing teacher control and learner autonomy. A teacher can play different roles in the process of teaching reading to balance teacher control and learner autonomy. In this way, teacher's proper control and learner freedom occur and language learning may be more effective.展开更多
Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors' writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, b...Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors' writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, balance between real and display writing, between product and process approaches, vary writing activities, train strategies in improving coherence, balance the content of feedback and use various forms of feedback.展开更多
Acquisition of speaking Turkish students since skills is among the most essential language skills for students currently, especially among language competency is measured through speaking. Every language learner desir...Acquisition of speaking Turkish students since skills is among the most essential language skills for students currently, especially among language competency is measured through speaking. Every language learner desires to acquire correct communicative skills and fluency in speaking, while teachers aim to give the necessary education in speaking, as well. This study reveals the essence of acquiring speaking competency for learners, and how important it is to teach speaking skills with correct methods and methodology. With the questionnaire analysis on Turkish students and teachers at a Turkish university, the theoretical knowledge on "essence" is blended with the questionnaire results provided from students and teachers in order to emphasize the necessity and reach more practical solutions for the current need of learning and teaching speaking.展开更多
Language teaching is a combination of teaching syntax, content of language in use, and the social background of that language. As the study of the act in speech, speech acts naturally exist in social and interpersonal...Language teaching is a combination of teaching syntax, content of language in use, and the social background of that language. As the study of the act in speech, speech acts naturally exist in social and interpersonal discourses. Thus it is of vital importance to let language learners to acquire its concept and principles. This paper is a brief introduction to the theories and approaches on speech acts as well as its application for ELT pedagogy. The paper is made up of three parts. In the first part, former investigations and theories on speech acts would be introduced and discussed. The second part is a discussion on communicative competence in English language teaching. In the third part, two sample tasks of implicit pedagogy for speech acts would be introduced. A conclusion of teaching speech acts implicitly is given out in the fourth part.展开更多
The study, conducted in the academic year 2008, explores the potential differences in the use of a dictionary in support of a standard writing task by two student groups at two different proficiency levels. Fifty seve...The study, conducted in the academic year 2008, explores the potential differences in the use of a dictionary in support of a standard writing task by two student groups at two different proficiency levels. Fifty seven students working on a real classroom assignment were observed; in order to make sure that the subjects behaved as they normally would, they had not been informed that their dictionary behavior was to be observed. The study which shows that the need for a dictionary is smaller in the case of more advanced students may be of interest to those foreign language teachers who fear that giving a student an unlimited access to a dictionary may hamper the development of his expressive abilities. In turn, a marked preference on the part of more advanced students for an L I-L2, paralleled by a sustained interest in information categories typically placed in foreign learner's dictionaries suggests that advanced language learners writing in English would probably opt for a lexicographic product combining the best of both dictionary types: an LI-L2 and an MLD.展开更多
Due to the arrival of the era of globalization, English has become an important foreign language in China. People with high English proficiency have more opportunities and better competitiveness in the global job mark...Due to the arrival of the era of globalization, English has become an important foreign language in China. People with high English proficiency have more opportunities and better competitiveness in the global job market. Therefore, more and more people attach importance to learn English. English songs play an important role in English teaching and they have been used as teaching materials in the field of language learning for a long time They can not only effectively stimulate students' interest in learning but also improve the quality and efficiency of English teaching. This instruction can enhance learners' motivation, learning attitude, and the comprehension of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Some linguists believe that they can affect one's language learning abilities. Thus, more and more teachers and researchers try to find out how the English songs can improve the learners' English level. So, this paper aims to explore how to apply English songs to higher vocational English teaching.展开更多
Starting from presenting and analyzing some information gap activities during the previous teaching experience, this article has inferred the major roles of information gap activities. Some strategies to implement the...Starting from presenting and analyzing some information gap activities during the previous teaching experience, this article has inferred the major roles of information gap activities. Some strategies to implement the information gap activities are also recommended together with the functions of the instructors via these activities. What information gap activities can teach us in TESOL (teaching English for speakers of other languages) is that information gap activities contribute to setting up a climate of a mutual autonomous learning style both for the learners and the instructors, and these activities activate a diversity in the learning atmosphere.展开更多
This paper focuses on the influence of linguistic theories on the teaching of English as a foreign language and discusses how language teachers can benefit from different branches of linguistics.
In the current debates over Saussure's principle of arbitrariness, there have occurred some confusions and misunderstandings, especially in the equation of Saussure's notion of arbitrariness with the classical notio...In the current debates over Saussure's principle of arbitrariness, there have occurred some confusions and misunderstandings, especially in the equation of Saussure's notion of arbitrariness with the classical notion of arbitrariness. In this article, the uniqueness of Saussure's arbitrariness is illustrated in, relation to the classical arbitrariness.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
This paper discusses computer application in language learning and teaching, and suggests 8 modes in the language learning and teaching. It is concluded that the computer can best assist instructors in language learni...This paper discusses computer application in language learning and teaching, and suggests 8 modes in the language learning and teaching. It is concluded that the computer can best assist instructors in language learning and teaching if it is seen not as a replacement for their work but as a supplement to it, the computer-assisted learning has stressed the individualization of instruction, and the learner can work at his or her own pace.展开更多
Individual learner's differences, such as sex, age, aptitude, motivation, personality and strategies, are important factors in English learning as foreign language (EFL). Among these, personal types should be paid ...Individual learner's differences, such as sex, age, aptitude, motivation, personality and strategies, are important factors in English learning as foreign language (EFL). Among these, personal types should be paid more attention to since different personalities mean different learning styles, and different learning styles lead to different levels of proficiency. The present study tries to explore the personal types in terms of extroversion and introversion of the students majoring in physical culture. Based on the investigation in personality types, the implications are discussed and some suggestions are put forward.展开更多
This study investigates students’attitudes towards classroom code-switching(CS)between Chinese and English,and how such attitudes are influenced by learning motivation and language anxiety,the two focal variables of ...This study investigates students’attitudes towards classroom code-switching(CS)between Chinese and English,and how such attitudes are influenced by learning motivation and language anxiety,the two focal variables of the present study.A total of 550 students from a university in northwest China took part in an online survey.The results of quantitative analyses suggest a division of attitudes towards CS,acknowledging its usefulness but dismissing its symbolic value.Such attitudes can be predicted based on the focal learner characteristics.The implications of the findings are discussed vis-à-vis the social psychology of CS and an optimal use of CS to assist language learning and teaching.展开更多
As institutions of higher education continue to internationalize, the number of exchanged students climbs ever higher in China. It is important to know what they have gained in the intercultural learning experiences i...As institutions of higher education continue to internationalize, the number of exchanged students climbs ever higher in China. It is important to know what they have gained in the intercultural learning experiences in terms of attitudes, awareness, and knowledge, which are the three constructed dimensions of Intercultural Competence in this study. A qualitative research is conducted by using interview and seven English language learners are investigated to explore their learning outcomes in the intercultural learning program. From the thematic analysis of the interviews, it can be found that these English language learners' intercultural competence has been improved during their stay in USA. They successfully overcome cultural shock, hold positive attitudes toward target culture and people, become more confident in English study, and acquire more cultural knowledge. The research outcomes contribute to promoting intercultural learning effectiveness and improving learners' intercultural competence.展开更多
Most educated Chinese take English as an important communication tool and the language has been increasingly frequently used in all walks of life in the country. This paper is to examine the use of English emotion wor...Most educated Chinese take English as an important communication tool and the language has been increasingly frequently used in all walks of life in the country. This paper is to examine the use of English emotion words on the target group of English learners in China. The study is designed to find out the relationship between the use of emotion words and such relevant variables as language proficiency, gender, and age. The results demonstrate that the use of emotion words is significantly linked to the level of proficiency as well as gender. Age is found to have slight effect on the use of emotion words. The study also reveals that more positive emotion words are produced than negative ones in the speech. Based on the major findings, some implications and suggestions are offered: Firstly, English learners in China are expected to improve their language proficiency, particularly that of listening and speaking. Secondly, they are supposed to enhance their culture awareness of English by means of exposing themselves to as much authentic language as possible.展开更多
Classroom teaching is a basic approach to complete the teaching mission, is also a key link to ensure the quality of teaching. The discretion of the teacher classroom control ability is the key to the success of class...Classroom teaching is a basic approach to complete the teaching mission, is also a key link to ensure the quality of teaching. The discretion of the teacher classroom control ability is the key to the success of classroom teaching. Ability to improve depends on teachers' language skills and demonstrate ability to improve, to delve into teaching material carefully to strengthen their own learning ability, to master a variety of teaching methods, pay attention to details of classroom teaching, teachers' teaching creativity into full play.展开更多
The ability to communicate effectively in English is increasingly being viewed as an expectation of individuals who wish to engage with the global community. Mindful of these needs, the goals of the Global Citizenship...The ability to communicate effectively in English is increasingly being viewed as an expectation of individuals who wish to engage with the global community. Mindful of these needs, the goals of the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) at Soka University, Tokyo, Japan, focus not only on increasing English proficiency, but also on developing independent study skills, raising awareness of global issues, and enhancing the abilities of students to integrate information from multiple sources in meaningful ways. In the GCP, students enroll in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses which focus on developing critical thinking and research skills as well as English fluency. Through activities that require students to critically evaluate and synthesize information, opportunities are provided to engage in independent research focusing on the development process and global initiatives. This paper describes how the GCP curriculum develops academic skills and English proficiency, incorporates critical thinking activities, emphasizes global awareness, and integrates content-knowledge in order to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to interact successfully in the global community.展开更多
In Nigeria, almost 500 indigenous languages continue to compete with the English language that has assumed the status of a global linguistic code. The contact, in different domains between English and indigenous langu...In Nigeria, almost 500 indigenous languages continue to compete with the English language that has assumed the status of a global linguistic code. The contact, in different domains between English and indigenous languages in the country continues to affect performance in English and contact languages, making effective communication in either English or any of the indigenous languages unattainable. The purpose of this study is to show that although no particular document, so named, exists expressing the nation's policy on language, nonetheless, the country has a policy on language that accommodates the indigenous languages as substrates, while the English language holds sway in various linguistic domains. Using a simple descriptive survey with data from previous studies, this paper examines the linguistic implications of the contact between English and indigenous languages on the younger generations who are losing contact with the mother tongue, and also not demonstrating enough proficiency in the English language. It is recommended that the opportunities that competence and maturation afforded a second language learner should be latched onto to gain the needed proficiency in English thus making them effective bilinguals and communicators in a world that is fast becoming a global village, and the inhabitants global citizens.展开更多
American English is predominantly prescribed as the primary English learning model at every educational level in Taiwan and limited attention is paid to other accents of English. It is therefore the intention of this ...American English is predominantly prescribed as the primary English learning model at every educational level in Taiwan and limited attention is paid to other accents of English. It is therefore the intention of this paper to investigate whether Taiwan Residents EFL learners have difficulties understanding British English after years of instruction in American English, and to identify differences between learners' attitudes towards these two varieties of English. EFL learners from two universities were randomly assigned to American and British English groups and required to listen to short texts recorded with either American or British accent. An independent simple t-test showed that no significant differences were found in listening comprehension scores, but responses on questionnaires revealed significant differences in attitudes towards American and British English. The influence of long-term instruction in American English was evidenced. Based on these findings, suggestions are provided for English language teaching in Taiwan and implications are drawn for the concept of English as an International Language (ELL), that in order to pursue successful international communication with people of various native languages, EFL learners need to experience various accents of English.展开更多
文摘In the domain of teaching reading of college English in China, to some extent, the words "teacher control" and "learner autonomy" have been miscomprehended by some teachers. This article argues that both teacher control and learner autonomy play an important role in the process of foreign language learning. Too much or too little control may lead to the failure of learning effectively. Tasks can be accomplished effectively through teacher's balancing teacher control and learner autonomy. A teacher can play different roles in the process of teaching reading to balance teacher control and learner autonomy. In this way, teacher's proper control and learner freedom occur and language learning may be more effective.
文摘Problems in generating and organizing ideas, in coherence and language competence are common in non-English majors' writings. To improve their writing proficiency, the writing course should have real-life purposes, balance between real and display writing, between product and process approaches, vary writing activities, train strategies in improving coherence, balance the content of feedback and use various forms of feedback.
文摘Acquisition of speaking Turkish students since skills is among the most essential language skills for students currently, especially among language competency is measured through speaking. Every language learner desires to acquire correct communicative skills and fluency in speaking, while teachers aim to give the necessary education in speaking, as well. This study reveals the essence of acquiring speaking competency for learners, and how important it is to teach speaking skills with correct methods and methodology. With the questionnaire analysis on Turkish students and teachers at a Turkish university, the theoretical knowledge on "essence" is blended with the questionnaire results provided from students and teachers in order to emphasize the necessity and reach more practical solutions for the current need of learning and teaching speaking.
文摘Language teaching is a combination of teaching syntax, content of language in use, and the social background of that language. As the study of the act in speech, speech acts naturally exist in social and interpersonal discourses. Thus it is of vital importance to let language learners to acquire its concept and principles. This paper is a brief introduction to the theories and approaches on speech acts as well as its application for ELT pedagogy. The paper is made up of three parts. In the first part, former investigations and theories on speech acts would be introduced and discussed. The second part is a discussion on communicative competence in English language teaching. In the third part, two sample tasks of implicit pedagogy for speech acts would be introduced. A conclusion of teaching speech acts implicitly is given out in the fourth part.
文摘The study, conducted in the academic year 2008, explores the potential differences in the use of a dictionary in support of a standard writing task by two student groups at two different proficiency levels. Fifty seven students working on a real classroom assignment were observed; in order to make sure that the subjects behaved as they normally would, they had not been informed that their dictionary behavior was to be observed. The study which shows that the need for a dictionary is smaller in the case of more advanced students may be of interest to those foreign language teachers who fear that giving a student an unlimited access to a dictionary may hamper the development of his expressive abilities. In turn, a marked preference on the part of more advanced students for an L I-L2, paralleled by a sustained interest in information categories typically placed in foreign learner's dictionaries suggests that advanced language learners writing in English would probably opt for a lexicographic product combining the best of both dictionary types: an LI-L2 and an MLD.
文摘Due to the arrival of the era of globalization, English has become an important foreign language in China. People with high English proficiency have more opportunities and better competitiveness in the global job market. Therefore, more and more people attach importance to learn English. English songs play an important role in English teaching and they have been used as teaching materials in the field of language learning for a long time They can not only effectively stimulate students' interest in learning but also improve the quality and efficiency of English teaching. This instruction can enhance learners' motivation, learning attitude, and the comprehension of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Some linguists believe that they can affect one's language learning abilities. Thus, more and more teachers and researchers try to find out how the English songs can improve the learners' English level. So, this paper aims to explore how to apply English songs to higher vocational English teaching.
文摘Starting from presenting and analyzing some information gap activities during the previous teaching experience, this article has inferred the major roles of information gap activities. Some strategies to implement the information gap activities are also recommended together with the functions of the instructors via these activities. What information gap activities can teach us in TESOL (teaching English for speakers of other languages) is that information gap activities contribute to setting up a climate of a mutual autonomous learning style both for the learners and the instructors, and these activities activate a diversity in the learning atmosphere.
文摘This paper focuses on the influence of linguistic theories on the teaching of English as a foreign language and discusses how language teachers can benefit from different branches of linguistics.
文摘In the current debates over Saussure's principle of arbitrariness, there have occurred some confusions and misunderstandings, especially in the equation of Saussure's notion of arbitrariness with the classical notion of arbitrariness. In this article, the uniqueness of Saussure's arbitrariness is illustrated in, relation to the classical arbitrariness.
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This paper discusses computer application in language learning and teaching, and suggests 8 modes in the language learning and teaching. It is concluded that the computer can best assist instructors in language learning and teaching if it is seen not as a replacement for their work but as a supplement to it, the computer-assisted learning has stressed the individualization of instruction, and the learner can work at his or her own pace.
文摘Individual learner's differences, such as sex, age, aptitude, motivation, personality and strategies, are important factors in English learning as foreign language (EFL). Among these, personal types should be paid more attention to since different personalities mean different learning styles, and different learning styles lead to different levels of proficiency. The present study tries to explore the personal types in terms of extroversion and introversion of the students majoring in physical culture. Based on the investigation in personality types, the implications are discussed and some suggestions are put forward.
文摘This study investigates students’attitudes towards classroom code-switching(CS)between Chinese and English,and how such attitudes are influenced by learning motivation and language anxiety,the two focal variables of the present study.A total of 550 students from a university in northwest China took part in an online survey.The results of quantitative analyses suggest a division of attitudes towards CS,acknowledging its usefulness but dismissing its symbolic value.Such attitudes can be predicted based on the focal learner characteristics.The implications of the findings are discussed vis-à-vis the social psychology of CS and an optimal use of CS to assist language learning and teaching.
文摘As institutions of higher education continue to internationalize, the number of exchanged students climbs ever higher in China. It is important to know what they have gained in the intercultural learning experiences in terms of attitudes, awareness, and knowledge, which are the three constructed dimensions of Intercultural Competence in this study. A qualitative research is conducted by using interview and seven English language learners are investigated to explore their learning outcomes in the intercultural learning program. From the thematic analysis of the interviews, it can be found that these English language learners' intercultural competence has been improved during their stay in USA. They successfully overcome cultural shock, hold positive attitudes toward target culture and people, become more confident in English study, and acquire more cultural knowledge. The research outcomes contribute to promoting intercultural learning effectiveness and improving learners' intercultural competence.
文摘Most educated Chinese take English as an important communication tool and the language has been increasingly frequently used in all walks of life in the country. This paper is to examine the use of English emotion words on the target group of English learners in China. The study is designed to find out the relationship between the use of emotion words and such relevant variables as language proficiency, gender, and age. The results demonstrate that the use of emotion words is significantly linked to the level of proficiency as well as gender. Age is found to have slight effect on the use of emotion words. The study also reveals that more positive emotion words are produced than negative ones in the speech. Based on the major findings, some implications and suggestions are offered: Firstly, English learners in China are expected to improve their language proficiency, particularly that of listening and speaking. Secondly, they are supposed to enhance their culture awareness of English by means of exposing themselves to as much authentic language as possible.
文摘Classroom teaching is a basic approach to complete the teaching mission, is also a key link to ensure the quality of teaching. The discretion of the teacher classroom control ability is the key to the success of classroom teaching. Ability to improve depends on teachers' language skills and demonstrate ability to improve, to delve into teaching material carefully to strengthen their own learning ability, to master a variety of teaching methods, pay attention to details of classroom teaching, teachers' teaching creativity into full play.
文摘The ability to communicate effectively in English is increasingly being viewed as an expectation of individuals who wish to engage with the global community. Mindful of these needs, the goals of the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) at Soka University, Tokyo, Japan, focus not only on increasing English proficiency, but also on developing independent study skills, raising awareness of global issues, and enhancing the abilities of students to integrate information from multiple sources in meaningful ways. In the GCP, students enroll in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses which focus on developing critical thinking and research skills as well as English fluency. Through activities that require students to critically evaluate and synthesize information, opportunities are provided to engage in independent research focusing on the development process and global initiatives. This paper describes how the GCP curriculum develops academic skills and English proficiency, incorporates critical thinking activities, emphasizes global awareness, and integrates content-knowledge in order to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to interact successfully in the global community.
文摘In Nigeria, almost 500 indigenous languages continue to compete with the English language that has assumed the status of a global linguistic code. The contact, in different domains between English and indigenous languages in the country continues to affect performance in English and contact languages, making effective communication in either English or any of the indigenous languages unattainable. The purpose of this study is to show that although no particular document, so named, exists expressing the nation's policy on language, nonetheless, the country has a policy on language that accommodates the indigenous languages as substrates, while the English language holds sway in various linguistic domains. Using a simple descriptive survey with data from previous studies, this paper examines the linguistic implications of the contact between English and indigenous languages on the younger generations who are losing contact with the mother tongue, and also not demonstrating enough proficiency in the English language. It is recommended that the opportunities that competence and maturation afforded a second language learner should be latched onto to gain the needed proficiency in English thus making them effective bilinguals and communicators in a world that is fast becoming a global village, and the inhabitants global citizens.
文摘American English is predominantly prescribed as the primary English learning model at every educational level in Taiwan and limited attention is paid to other accents of English. It is therefore the intention of this paper to investigate whether Taiwan Residents EFL learners have difficulties understanding British English after years of instruction in American English, and to identify differences between learners' attitudes towards these two varieties of English. EFL learners from two universities were randomly assigned to American and British English groups and required to listen to short texts recorded with either American or British accent. An independent simple t-test showed that no significant differences were found in listening comprehension scores, but responses on questionnaires revealed significant differences in attitudes towards American and British English. The influence of long-term instruction in American English was evidenced. Based on these findings, suggestions are provided for English language teaching in Taiwan and implications are drawn for the concept of English as an International Language (ELL), that in order to pursue successful international communication with people of various native languages, EFL learners need to experience various accents of English.