To do or not to do: willingness to communicate in the ESL context

English Today ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-42
Author(s):  
Syeda Farzana Bukhari ◽  
Xiaoguang Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Willingness To Communicate ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Successful Communication ◽  
Do So

English is used by more than one and a half billion people as a first, second or foreign language for communication purposes (Strevens, 1992). In this context, the purpose of teaching English has shifted from mastery of the grammatical rules to the ability to use the target language for successful communication. Consequently, the communication aspect of teaching and learning English has become the key issue in the domain of second language acquisition (Yashima, 2002: 54). Therefore, the issue of whether the learners will communicate in English when they have the chance to do so and to what extent they are willing to communicate gain importance. These questions have led to the emergence of an important construct in the field of L2 instruction, i.e. willingness to communicate (hereafter, WTC), which is defined as a learner's ‘readiness to enter into discourse at a particular time with a specific person or persons, using a L2’ (MacIntyre et al., 1998: 547). MacIntyre and his associates even proposed that WTC in L2 should be conceptualized as ‘the primary goal’ of language instruction (MacIntyre et al., 1998: 545). This paper explores the important concept of WTC by looking into Pakistani students' WTC in Canada.

scholarly journals A Study on the Use of Mixed Language in Teaching English at Hospitality Management Class

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
Ni Luh Supartini ◽  
Ni Putu Oka Agustini
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
First Language ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Hospitality Management ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Interview Session ◽  
Mixed Language

Learning English as a foreign language required some strategies to achieve the goal of communication. In teaching and learning process, the teacher and students frequently use their first language to explain the difficult word in English. This study aimed to investigate the language used by the teacher as communication strategies in teaching English as a foreign language and students’ responses toward the use of each type of language instruction in teaching English at Hospitality class. To investigate the study there were 2 teachers and 2 classes of hospitality management class as the subject. The data were collected through observation of teaching and learning process and interview session. The study was designed as descriptive qualitative research and the data were analyzed descriptively. The finding showed that the teacher used the target language frequently, however the used of mixed language to explain some difficult words also found in teaching and learning process.  

scholarly journals Good Practices for Primary-Level Content-based Foreign Language Instruction Identified in Finland

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taina M Wewer
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Foreign Language Instruction

This practice-oriented article, also applicable for general foreign and second language instruction, outlines experiences and classroom practices recognized as functional and effective in CLIL (content and language integrated learning) contexts. CLIL can be defined as a comprehensive approach to foreign language teaching because it aims at learning language through various content across the curriculum. Since one of the guidelines in the Finnish basic education is teacher autonomy, the fluctuation in materials, practices and methods is notable. Therefore, there is no sole authenticated model of CLIL implementation, but the practices rather vary significantly from one classroom to another. Furthermore, the extent of the target language (TL) exposure has an impact on the instructional choices as well as the pre-negotiated and defined learning objectives. In most cases, the primary aim is that the child learns to read and write in the mother tongue or the main language of instruction (most often Finnish in Finland), and the target language (in this case English) is gradually and increasingly incorporated into the everyday classroom practice. Hence, instruction is bilingual. Research on foreign language teaching and learning helps to formulate some of the recurring linguistic practices in CLIL classrooms which is important in shaping the language used for social purposes. The integration of language and content and academic language need special attention in CLIL. In a similar manner, assessment of the target language, has to be specifically addressed. I will touch upon all these issues in the three main sections drawing on CLIL instruction with approximately 25% English exposure of total instruction.  

scholarly journals Difficulties in Teaching English Modal Auxiliaries to Turkish Students: A Cognitive Pragmatic Approach

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ismail Erton
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Modal Auxiliaries ◽  
Teaching Learning

Recently, attention in modern linguistic theory has been shifted to facilitating a broader understanding of the world, in which language is a tool to establish a bridge between the interlocutor and the recipient. To do so, the development of linguistic, communicative and socio-pragmatic competences enriched with socio-cultural inputs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or Second Language (L2) teaching and learning contexts have a significant impact on language learners both to develop their perception as native speakers of English and to facilitate the progress of cognitive skills and capabilities. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate a case study to show some of the difficulties in teaching English modal auxiliaries to Turkish students in EFL/L2 contexts which arise not only from structural characteristics, but also from insufficiently developed linguistic, communicative and socio-pragmatic competencies. It is also asserted that only teaching the lexical properties of modal auxiliaries in isolation from their socio-pragmatic and semiotic contexts alone cannot help learners to become successful communicators in the target language as it ends in communication failures, hesitation, a slower L2 progress, fear and misunderstandings. Therefore, role-play activities, cloze tests, research assignments, writing tasks and songs can also be integrated into the teaching-learning process to assist learners to become more aware of their actual authentic usages in a wide range of contexts through different activities. On the whole, this would also free language learners to refer to their First Language (L1) input and shape a broader understanding of the Foreign Language (FL) framed with its actual authentic usage.

scholarly journals Cross-Cultural Pragmatics and Its challenges in EFL context

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dian Rianita
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Cultural Awareness ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Pragmatic Competence ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
High Level ◽  
Cultural Pragmatics

Preprint-The target of teaching and learning a foreign language, like English, is customary to give the learners knowledge in using the target language for communication in an appropriate way. Because of that, it is not enough to teach the learners merely grammar skills, but they have to be provided with the cross-cultural competence in using the target language. Linguists believe that mastering high-level skills in grammar does not mean the learners have the equal pragmatic competence. Thus, the instruction concerning pragmatics is compulsory in term of rising a cross-cultural awareness. This paper discusses the intercultural pragmatics and its importance in second language acquisition. The discussion covers the challenges faced by the learners in becoming proficient at using English as their target language

scholarly journals Hybrid Design and Flipping the Classroom in Content-Oriented Foreign Language Courses Developing Intensive Italian for Gamers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Bregni
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Traditional Course ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Continued Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Courses

In recent years, scholars have increasingly indicated content-based language teaching (CBLT) as a potential successful response to the increasing challenges faced by language departments in higher education. This article is a case study on the advantages of using a hybrid format in a content-based intensive foreign language video game-based (VGBL) course. For decades now, video games have been a pervasive part of our culture. My experiments in introducing video games as a learning device in the F/L2 language classroom have led me to explore the option of teaching a gaming-based language course. I further developed language acquisition strategies using video games and related media. In spring 2017, I used the SLU state-of-the-art learning studio to teach Intensive Italian for Gamers, which combines “traditional” intensive language instruction with gaming-based interaction. Within the pedagogical premise that language acquisition is a process that involves, and benefits from, daily interactions in the language in and outside the classroom, the course targeted the specific segment of the student population that self-identifies as gamers. A specific content-oriented intensive foreign language course of this kind would not have been possible without a hybrid course design format. Flipping the classroom allowed learners to spend more time in contact with the target-language and focus their attention on exploring the spoken language through the digital gaming realia and communicating with one another in the target language on the specific course topic: video games. Flipping the classroom also encouraged students to explore more of the language independently. In an online survey conducted approximately six months after completing the course (response rate was 83.3%), all of the respondents reported that they autonomously continued to play games in the target language in their own spare time, and most of them did so often”. Pilot data show that students attained the desired level, continued learning on their own, and less stress was involved than in a traditional course. My course could serve as a model for a mixed/blended learning format that could be applied to other languages and even other fields. After all, video games lend themselves to some interesting potential multidisciplinary developments in, among other subjects, History, Art and Architecture.

„Im Deutschen kan das nicht“ – Text type didactics for the teaching of German modal verb constructions

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-46
Author(s):  
Sabine Jentges
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Construction Grammar ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Scientific Debate ◽  
Text Type ◽  
Verb Constructions ◽  
Modal Verb ◽  
Approach To Teaching

Abstract In the Netherlands, the similar origin Dutch shares with German lends itself to a contrastive approach to teaching and learning German and, for this reason, is promoted on all levels. This leads to Dutch textbooks and grammars being almost exclusively contrastive in nature, irrespective of the targeted language level, which is also reflected in the unanimous scientific debate. This paper discusses to which degree construction grammar approaches and/or contrastive approaches can assist the Dutch learner of German in their language acquisition. Advanced Dutch learners of German’s use - or lack thereof - of sollen ‘are supposed to’ vs. sollten ‘should’ in written texts is analyzed and compared to the presentation of this topic in Dutch teaching materials for German as a foreign language. Furthermore, the questions are raised whether a contrastive approach mainly promotes the strategy of avoiding errors stemming from L1 inferences as well as whether a construction grammar approach leads to a more adequate acquisition of the target language. Based on these discussions, possible implementations for teaching soll(t)en to Dutch learners of German are proposed.

scholarly journals Sense of agency among frequently anxious learners of English in Swedish primary school: Mismatching beliefs and experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Nilsson
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Sense Of Agency ◽  
Foreign Language Instruction ◽  
Emotional Experiences ◽  
Young Learners ◽  
Oral Interaction

Instilling a sense of agency (SoA) in young learners is an important aspect of foreign language instruction, as is the counteracting of emergent foreign language anxiety (FLA). Focusing on learners who frequently experience FLA, this study explores young learners’ beliefs and classroom experiences in relation to teaching and learning of English, in order to highlight the way in which they perceive their own agency, that is, their situated SoA. After initial classroom observations, learners from seven Swedish classrooms, across years 2–5, were seated in small groups to discuss open questions about target language (TL) use, oral interaction, instructional work mode and the role of the teacher and the learners. The present study is based on discussions among 31 of those learners. Qualitative content analysis of the recorded discussions reveals conflicting beliefs and experiences. These frequently anxious learners stressed the importance of extensive input in English and of learners engaging and speaking the TL. However, they also expressed that oral instructions and prompts, which were sometimes incomprehensible, made them feel frustrated and insecure. Considering the risk of embarrassment, they refrained from asking questions or volunteering to speak. Thus, their accounts of their emotional experiences and actions did not align with their beliefs, which hampered their SoA. The findings illustrate the interrelated nature of beliefs, emotional experiences and agency. Implications for primary language teaching relate to target language use and offering plenty of time for learners to practice their oral skills under conditions that they perceive as safe.

scholarly journals Message from Editor

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 01
Author(s):  
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Rahimi
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Second Language Teaching

Dear Readers,It is the great honor for us to publish sixth issue of Global Journal of Foreign Language Teaching (GJFLT). Global Journal of Foreign Language Teaching welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on foreign language teaching and topics related with linguistics. GJFLT is an international journal published quarterly and it is devoted to be a joint platform for presenting and discussing the emerging developments on foreign language teaching in an international arena.The scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to; the following major topics as they relate to: Cultural studies, Curriculum Development and Syllabus Design, Discourse Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), General Linguistics, Globalization Studies and world English’s, Independent/Autonomous Learning, Information and Computer Technology in TEFL, Innovation in language, Teaching and learning, Intercultural Education, Language acquisition and learning, Language curriculum development, Language education, Language program evaluation, Language Testing and Assessment, Literacy and language learning, Literature, Mobile Language Learning, Pragmatics, Second Language, Second Language Acquisition, Second Language Acquisition Theory, Digital Literacy Skills, Second Language Learners, Second Language Learning, Second language Pedagogy, Second Language Proficiency, Second Language Speech, Second Language Teaching, Second Language Training, Second Language Tutor, Second language Vocabulary Learning, Teaching English as a Foreign/ Second Language, Teaching Language Skills, Translation Studies, Applied linguistics, Cognitive linguistics.Linguistic clichés, teaching English as a foreign language, corpus-based language teaching, TESOL, language acquisition and elementary literacy teaching topics have been included into this issue. The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2016 Volume.A total number of ten (10) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been subjected to double-blind peer review process by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of six (6) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication.We present many thanks to all the contributors who helped us to publish this issue. Best regards,Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali RahimiEditor – in Chief

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