The Case of Chichewa and English in Malawi: The Impact of First Language Reading and Writing on Learning English as a Second Language

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaran Shin ◽  
Misty Sailors ◽  
Nicola McClung ◽  
P. David Pearson ◽  
James V. Hoffman ◽  
...  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 417-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
HOLGER HOPP ◽  
MONIKA S. SCHMID

The open access copyright line contained within this page was not included in the original FirstView article or the print article contained within this issue. We sincerely regret these errors and any problems they may have caused.


1989 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 145-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Grabe

As literacy has emerged to become a major issue in the 1980s, and will continue to do so in the 1990s, the only sure claim to be made is that the notion of literacy is extremely complex and fraught with generally accepted “myths,” hidden assumptions, over-generalizations, and simple all-inclusive responses to the challenges presented. This scenario is no less appropriate to the second language learning context than it is to the first language learning context. Thus, any examination of second language literacy requires discussion of both first language and second perspectives. It is naive to assume that the difficulties, complexities, contradictions, and debates in first language literacy do not apply equally to the large majority of second language learning contexts. Accordingly, second language literacy will be discussed in light of first language perspectives on literacy, reading, and writing, expanding these perspectives into second language contexts. (It should be noted that two excellent reviews of reading and writing in a second language appeared in ARAL IX (Carrell 1989a, Hudelson 1989a). This review should be seen as complementary to these two earlier articles.)


RELC Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 003368822095322
Author(s):  
Paul Leeming ◽  
Scott Aubrey ◽  
Craig Lambert

Task-based language teaching research has investigated the impact of planning on task performance, but little has been reported on the processes that take place while planning is undertaken. This study builds on previous planning research by providing a detailed analysis of four Japanese university learners’ collaborative pre-task planning (two dyads) and their performance on a subsequent second language (L2) oral monologue task that required them to express their opinions on a problem and propose a solution to it. Follow-up interviews incorporating stimulated recall were also conducted to gain insight into learners’ perceptions. Results suggest that the note-taking strategies employed, the interpersonal dynamics of the pairs, the L2 proficiency of the participants, and the language of planning (first language [L1] or L2) resulted in important differences in these learners’ planning processes and subsequent task performances. The results are discussed in terms of how pre-task planning processes might be optimized in teaching and research.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Paula Roncaglia-Denissen ◽  
Maren Schmidt-Kassow ◽  
Angela Heine ◽  
Sonja A Kotz

In an event-related potential (ERP) study we investigated the role of age of acquisition (AoA) on the use of second language rhythmic properties during syntactic ambiguity resolution. Syntactically ambiguous sentences embedded in rhythmically regular and irregular contexts were presented to Turkish early and late second language (L2) learners of German and to German monolingual controls. Regarding rhythmic properties, Turkish is syllable-timed and prefers the iamb as its metric foot, while German is stress-timed, relying on the trochee. To utilize rhythm during the processing of syntactic ambiguity in L2, Turkish early and late L2 learners of German must master different rhythmic properties than in their first language. ERPs reveal a reduction in the P600 response to object-first sentences presented in rhythmically regular, but not in rhythmically irregular contexts for early learners and monolinguals only. No such effect was found for late L2 learners. Results indicate an interactive use of rhythmic information during the processing of syntactic ambiguity by monolinguals and early learners. Further, data from late L2 learners suggest that the acquisition of rhythmic properties may have to occur in a sensitive learning period.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 01-12
Author(s):  
Khalijah Mohd Nor ◽  
Masliza Mohd Razali ◽  
Nashrah Talib ◽  
Nurbarirah Ahmad ◽  
Siti Rosnita Sakarji ◽  
...  

This study examined students’ problems in learning English as a second language in higher learning institutions. This paper reports on the results of an interview of 30 randomly selected MDAB students of Diploma in Office Management and Technology at UiTM Melaka. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that contribute to the decreasing of students’ achievement in the English language. The discussion revealed the different reasons that students face in speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. In learning a second language, it is of utmost importance that learners receive maximum support in terms of a supportive and conducive learning environment as well as an adequate and meaningful language experience. This research hopes to enlighten students in learning the English language so that they may strive to improve their English skills, thus making language teaching and learning more effective and meaningful for both lecturers and students.


Author(s):  
Ezekwesili ◽  
Chinyere Chinedu

This paper examines the impact of aliteracy on learning English as a second language in Nigeria. Genuine concern expressed by stakeholders on the poor performance exhibited by Nigerian secondary school students in English language has led to a number of inquiries for solutions to the problem. Many studies have attributed poor language performance to a number of factors but nobody has connected the apathetic stance of students towards reading to poor language performance. Their appalling performance manifests in the plethora of spelling and grammatical errors that riddle essay assignments. Writing is a productive language skill by which a student demonstrates his ability to produce grammatically correct and connected texts. This study searches for the link between students’ lack of interest in reading and their writing competence. Aliteracy is the state of being able to read but being uninterested in doing so. The data for the study were generated from students’ written essay and questionnaire. An analysis of the students’ reading habits juxtaposed with their continuous writing showed that students who were avid readers performed better than those who did not like to read. This result shows that the decline in the level and quality of language written by senior secondary school students in Nigeria can be attributed to poor reading culture.


2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Nosarti ◽  
Andrea Mechelli ◽  
David W. Green ◽  
Cathy J. Price

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