Towards Lessening Learners’Aversive Emotions and Promoting Their Mental Health:Developing and Validating a Measurement of English Speaking Demotivation in the Chinese EFL Context

While a plethora of studies has been conducted to explore demotivation and its impact on mental health in second language(L2)education,scanty research focuses on demotivation in L2 speaking learning.Particularly,little research explores the measures to quantify L2 speaking demotivation.The present two-phase study attempts to develop and validate an English Speaking Demotivation Scale(ESDS).To this end,an independent sample of 207 Chinese tertiary learners of English as a Foreign Language(EFL)participated in the development phase,and another group of 188 Chinese EFL learners was recruited for the validation of the scale.Exploratory Factor Analysis(EFA)and Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)were employed to determine the factor structure of the scale.The EFA results revealed a six-factor solution with Teacher-related Factors in Learning Spoken English(TFLSE),Interest and Valence in Learning Spoken English(IVLSE),Self-efficacy in Learning Spoken English(SELSE),Negative Peer Influence in Learning Spoken English(NPILSE),Undesirable Environment for Learning Spoken English(UELSE),and Negative Influence of Assessment and Learning Materials in speaking class(NIALM).In the validation phase,Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA)was performed to validate the internal structure of the scale.The CFA results showed that the model fits the data well.Overall,the ESDS is a robust and trustworthy psychometric tool that could be utilized to examine L2 speaking demotivation.Implications for diminishing EFL learners’demotivation,lessening their aversive emotions and promoting their mental health are also discussed.

基于EFL学习者心理表征模式的一词多义教学研究

文章运用认知语言学相关理论如隐喻及转喻等,基于EFL学习者一词多义的心理表征模式,实施教学实验。实验前实验组和对照组对一词多义的表征都不分明;在实验组进行教学实验后,其词汇测试成绩优于对照组;实验后实验组的表征模式更加清晰。结果表明:实验组掌握隐喻及转喻方式对单词进行识解,能够使其对一词多义的心理表征模式更加分明。

“见字如见人”——大学生EFL写作比赛辅导中声音形象面具意识的培养

近十年来,外研社每年举办的大学生英语写作比赛是国内最具分量的EFL写作比赛。这种常模参考性写作测试与常见的标准参考性写作测试相比,既考查学生的语言能力和批判性思维能力,更考查创造力。声音形象是创造力的语言外壳,它具有多形态性。教师可以通过帮助学生找到声音、模仿声音、找到新的声音,以一套渐进式的辅导方式培养学生的声音形象面具意识,让学生面对不同场合以合适的身份角色完成相应的写作任务。

Language Transfer Manifested in English Idiom Acquisition by Chinese EFL Learners

Idiom acquisition plays an important role in the process of second language learning and acquisition.Proper understanding of linguistic transfer in terms of English idiom acquisition is helpful for EFL learners to improve the efficiency of learning English and also facilitates the process of English teaching.This study examines the Chinese learner’s language transfer features manifested in their understanding of English idioms which are classified into five different types according to their linguistic forms and conceptual bases.The results suggest that equivalent linguistic forms and equivalent conceptual bases of idioms are helpful to cause positive transfer while different conceptual bases of idioms may result in negative cross-linguistic transfer.This article may contribute to the development of language transfer theory and provide pedagogical implications of how English idioms should be learned by students and taught by English teachers.

EFL学习者跨语境写作中的语用能力研究

在英语作为外语(EFL)教学研究领域,语用能力是备受关注的焦点,但以往研究多评估学习者的口语语用表现,其语用能力在书面语体中的研究尚显不足。以74名英语专业学生为研究对象,通过分析他们在不同语境下撰写的请求信来深入探究其书面语用能力,并特别关注语用能力与英语语言水平之间的关联性。实验采用Kruskal-Wallis检验和Wilcoxon Signed-Rank检验方法进行数据分析。结果显示,尽管语言水平与语用能力之间存在一定程度的正相关关系,但在实际交际情境中,学习者在选择恰当的语用策略以实现礼貌且得体交流时仍面临挑战。

The Emergence of Loving Pedagogy in the L2 Affective Domain:How Affective Pedagogy Accounts for Chinese EFL Teachers’Professional Success and Job Satisfaction?

The success of teachers in professional environments has a desirable influence on their mental condition.Simply said,teachers’professional success plays a crucial role in improving their mental health.Due to the invaluable role of professional success in teachers’mental health,personal and professional variables helping teachers succeed in their profession need to be uncovered.While the role of teachers’personal qualities has been well researched,the function of professional variables has remained unknown.To address the existing gap,the current investigation measured the role of two professional variables,namely job satisfaction and loving pedagogy,in Chinese EFL teachers’professional success.To do this,three validated scales were provided to 1591 Chinese EFL teachers.Participants’answers to the questionnaires were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test and structural equation modeling.The data analysis demonstrated a strong,positive link between the variables.Moreover,loving pedagogy was found to be the positive,strong predictor of Chinese EFL teachers’job satisfaction and professional success.The findings of the current inquiry may help educational administrators enhance their instructors’professional success,which in turn promotes their mental and psychological conditions at work.

Significance of“Printing English”in the Curriculum Setting of Business English Majors(Publishing Direction)

With the development of the global economy and the quick growth of international exchanges,Business English major plays an increasingly important role in higher education.The training goal of Business English major(publishing direction)has gradually shifted from the improvement of studentslanguage abilities to the cultivation of more specialized business knowledge and publishing skills.As an important course for Business English majors(publishing direction),Printing English is of great significance for cultivating studentsprofessional quality,professional competitiveness,career development,and practical ability.From the perspective of curriculum setting,it is necessary to re-understand the importance of Printing English in the curriculum setting of Business English major(publishing direction),and put forward corresponding teaching methods and strategies.

A Study on the Values and Strategies of English Picture Book Reading for Improving Pupils’ English Reading Literacy

Reading is one of the core skills in English learning.It is indispensable for EFL learners to develop good English reading literacy in primary schools.English picture books are consistent with pupils’cognitive and thinking modes,which is valuable to improve their English reading literacy.However,at present,most Chinese pupils have some problems in English reading.The paper aims at analyzing the current problems in Chinese pupils’English reading and digging out the values and strategies of English picture book reading,so as to stimulate their reading interests,cultivate their intercultural awareness,and improve their English reading literacy.

On English Teaching From the Scope of China's Mainland

In China,English is required in every school of China and many achievements have been made in this part of the world.The English level of Chinese has been greatly improved but the problems still exist in this country.Communicative approach and many other successful teaching methods have been employed;however,the problems in English teaching still occur and last to the present time.Many efforts have been made to have outstanding and successful results in English teaching.We therefore hope much success will be achieved as quickly as possible.

Exploring Phonetic Differences and Cross-Linguistic Influences: A Comparative Study of English and Mandarin Chinese Pronunciation Patterns

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.

ChatGPT在高校EFL视听课程中的应用与效果评估

听力和口语表达一直以来是大多数大学生普遍薄弱的环节。在人工智能时代,尽管高校英语教学在多个方面进行了探索,但针对视听课教学实践的创新相对较少。本研究基于MUSIC动机理论模型以及学习者投入度相关理念,利用ChatGPT优化EFL视听课的教学设计。本研究结合问卷调查、课堂教学观察及个人访谈,从课前、课中和课后三个阶段着手,并运用动机理论模型中的策略,旨在激发学生的学习动机,增加学生投入度,进而强化学生的听辨能力和口语表达输出能力。

Surveying on English Mobile Learning Among University Students: Current State and Influencing Factors

Mobile learning integrates mobile technology with digital learning,offering flexible,personalized content and portable equipment.It enables access to rich content and enhances learning efficiency.Therefore,it has become mainstream to utilize mobile devices for English learning among university students’English learning.The current study aims to examine the current situation and influencing factors of university students’English mobile learning.98 university students in one university of Shanghai participated the study and the questionnaire was used to collect the data.The results indicated that most university students already have electronic devices to support mobile learning.Personal factors,environmental factors,digital literacy,and technological capabilities are the main factors affecting university students’English mobile learning.The current study has implications for learners,teachers,and software developers.Learners should adjust their learning motivation,play an active role,and fully utilize the mobile platform to obtain resources and improve learning efficiency.Teachers should incorporate the advantages of mobile teaching and promote categorized and tiered teaching.Software developers should add new functions on the basis of meeting the basic needs of learners and continuously innovate the mobile learning platform.

A Study of Innovative College English Teaching Model for Global Competence

Against the backdrop of globalization and deepening international cooperation,countries are putting forward higher demands on the global competence of talents.In this context,college English teaching,as an important part of the higher education system,faces the challenge of cultivating globally competent talents.This study analyzes the core components of global competence through literature review,analyzes the deficiencies in existing college English teaching,and aims to explore and construct a college English teaching model that is compatible with the global competence framework.This study explores how to integrate global competency development into college English teaching from three aspects:curriculum content,teaching methodology,and assessment system.We expect that the proposed teaching model can effectively improve students’English application skills,intercultural communication skills,and critical thinking skills,so as to better meet the demand for global competence in the context of globalization.

The Application of Formative Assessment in Interactive Comprehensive English Classroom Teaching

Teaching evaluation is an important part of the teaching process of college English courses,and effective formative assessment can reflect the entire teaching process from multiple perspectives and ensure the smooth achievement of teaching objectives.Formative assessment is an assessment that runs through the entire learning process,based on humanism and constructivism,with various forms of evaluation.

An Analysis on the Blended Teaching Mode of College English

This paper explores blended teaching in college English from five aspects:the connotation,theoretical basis,design principles,advantages,and challenges of blended teaching and blended teaching models.The purpose is to attract more foreign language practitioners and learners to pay attention to this model and put it into practice.

English Speaking Online in the Turkish Teaching Context:A Theoretical Approach

The world initiated a new era with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.Education all around the globe,including Turkey,was impacted to a great extent.Both teachers and learners were required to adapt to online education within a short period of time.Although previous studies had focused on the impacts of teaching English in general for teachers and learners,studies focusing on teaching of the speaking skills online particularly in the Turkish context was absent in the literature.Therefore,the gap which was to be considered appropriate for this research is related to comprehending the perceptions and challenges EFL teachers confronted while attempting to teach the speaking skills online within the Turkish context.This article aims to have a theoretical contribution to the current research,in order to see the significance of the Turkish context,as online teaching of English speaking was to be considered beneficial for learners,as it increased confidence for the interaction.

Four Dimensions of Integrating Chinese Culture Into College English Teaching From the Perspective of Tyler’s Basic Principles

Integrating Chinese culture into college English can not only enhance students’humanities literacy and cultivate their cultural confidence,but also facilitate the inheritance and international dissemination of Chinese culture.Taking Tyler’s curriculum framework as the starting point,this paper analyzes some factors that affect the integration of Chinese culture into the college English teaching and proposes some strategies for the integration of Chinese culture into college English teaching by innovating teaching objectives,enriching teaching contents,transforming modes of course delivery,and reconstructing the assessment system.

English-Chinese Translation of Science and Technology Texts Based on the Differences Between Chinese and Western Modes of Thinking

As a tool for human communication,the use of language is affected by the way of thinking in cross-cultural communication.Due to the differences between Chinese and Western cultures,the way of thinking varies under the influence of such cultural differences.In the process of translation,the influence of the different thinking mode on translation activities cannot be ignored.At present,a lot of studies and researches have focused on the influence of Chinese and Western thinking mode on translation.However,it is still worthwhile to study what specific influence the difference between Chinese and Western thinking mode will exert on the translation process of science texts and what kind of measure should be taken to solve the negative influence brought by the differences when we are translating.This paper aims to discuss the influence of thinking differences between Chinese and Western countries on the process of English-Chinese translation of science and technology from the perspectives of long sentences,passive voice and nominalization,and how the translators should appropriately adjust their thinking pattern and use reasonable skills to eliminate the potential negative interference caused by the difference and achieve a better transformation between English and Chinese.

On Nonce Variant of English Idioms

English idiom variant refers to the form of idiom created by means of altering some original components,structures,or meanings of the former idioms.The nonce variant of English idioms can be analyzed from the following three aspects:reasons for formation of nonce variant,types into which it could be divided,and rhetorical functions it is capable of producing.Through the analysis of these three aspects,it is almost likely for language-users to realize the importance and modes of idiom’s renovation,get a better understanding of English idioms,and thus utilize English idioms more skillfully.

A Study on the Application of Peer Feedback among EFL Students in Blended Teaching

Recent years have witnessed the rise and popularity of blended teaching for EFL students,yet the lack of face-to-face communication and insufficient interaction lead researchers and educators to explore methods of improving the effectiveness of teaching.Peer feedback,a teaching strategy used to raise the bars by exposing instructions to a new teaching perspective to enhance students’online and offline collaboration,has received the lion’s share of attention in recent studies.On the basis of literature review,class records,and interviews,this paper,in hope of supporting advances in teachers’practice and field researches,examines the possible approaches to effectively implementing the application of peer feedback in blended teaching mode with a special focus on teachers’roles.