scholarly journals Perspectives: To Challenge the Unchallenged: Potential of Non-“Standard” Englishes for Japanese EFL Learners

2009 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazufumi Miyagi ◽  
Masatoshi Sato ◽  
Alison Crump
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Standard English ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Theory To Practice ◽  
Norms And Values ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Japanese Learners

This paper calls for a broadening of the discussion of English language teaching (ELT) practices in Japan. We review issues associated with the global spread of English and link this discussion to the present “standard” English model of ELT in Japan. We propose three major benefits that would follow from an inclusion of non-“standard” (i.e., non American/British) Englishes in Japanese EFL classrooms. First, familiarity with different varieties could increase learners’ confidence when interacting with other non-native speakers (NNSs). Second, we review literature that shows that NNS-NNS interactions actually help learners improve their language skills. Finally, recognition of non-“standard” varieties of English would help Japanese learners challenge monolithic western-centric worldviews that marginalize regional, cultural, and linguistic norms and values. We connect this theory to practice by suggesting some possible changes to ELT in Japan. 本稿では、英語・米語に代表されるいわゆる標準英語の社会的文化的な影響について指摘し、日本英語教育において標準英語に対抗すべく多様な｢非標準｣英語の教育的可能性を探るものである。著者それぞれの研究を踏まえ、英米語に加え｢非標準｣英語を日本の英語教育現場で積極的に活用することで期待できる利点を三つ提唱する。第一に｢非標準｣英語に親しみを持つことにより、ノンネイティブ話者同士の対話に自信が持てるようになる。第二にノンネイティブ話者同士による対話活動は実際に第二言語習得に効果的である。第三に、｢非標準｣英語に触れることが、西洋的視点に偏りがちな日本人の世界観を省みる機会となり、多様な文化、言語に対する認識の向上が期待できる。以上の点を考察した上で、最後に英語教育現場における｢非｣標準英語の具体的な導入法ついて提案する。

scholarly journals Teaching Collocations in EFL Classroom

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arab World English Journal ◽  
Nasrin S. Altuwairesh
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
The Other ◽  
Single Word ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
The One

The last two decades have witnessed a growing interest in vocabulary items consisting of more than a single word in the field of English language teaching (ELT) (Nation & Meara, 2002, p. 36; Schmitt, 2000, p. 96). Researchers in the area came to notice that language is produced by native speakers as 'chunks' rather than single words (Schmitt, 2000, p. 42; Read, 2000, p.20). This entails that if language instructors wish English as a foreign language (EFL) learners to attain native-like proficiency, they should be trained on the use of chunks of language and equipped with a large number of them. Such multiple-word items, Schmitt (2000) explains, constitute a rather high percentage of the English language and are drawing more attention. Thus, these chunks of language are worth spending time on in any language course. The purpose of the following paper is two-fold: on the one hand, the researcher intends to get ELT instructors aware of the concept of collocations and its significance, for those who are not already aware of this aspect of language. On the other hand, the researcher aims at suggesting ways to help learners develop collocational knowledge.

Nepalese English (Nenglish): Diverse and expanded assortment of Standard English

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (01) ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
Nani Babu Ghimire
Keyword(s):  
Social Norms ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Word Order ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Literature ◽  
Standard English ◽  
Literal Translation ◽  
Norms And Values ◽  
Written Form

Nepalese English is a new version of Standard English which is developed due to the effect of the Worlds Englishes. When the English language is expanded, the consequence has been seen in the use of English according to the socio-cultural context of the countries. The use of English either in spoken or written form is also seen differently from the Standard English in Nepal. To uncover this change in the use of English in Nepal, I studied two fictions (novels) written by two Nepalese literary figures in English based on qualitative analysis of the authors’ practice in the use of Nepalese English in writing fiction and found that there is the influence of Nepalese socio-cultural, socio-political, social norms and values in English literature. The finding also illustrated that Nepalese words (characters, location, kinship and taboos terms) are making their entries, complete sentences in Nepali are written, English suffixes are being attached to Nepalese words and vice versa, the word order of English is changed in Nepalese English (Nenglish), the literal translation of Nepalese proverbs are being introduced in English literature. The practice of writing English literature using Nepalese English is being extended to create its own features in English language which leads to develop Nepalese English as a separate variety in the field of language study.

Implementing ELF-informed Activities in an Elementary Level English Preparatory Classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibel Sert ◽  
Yonca Özkan
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Elementary Level ◽  
Standard English ◽  
Educational Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Mixed Method Design ◽  
Personal Interests

AbstractUpon the advocacy of the integration of English as a lingua franca, namely ELF, into English language teaching, some scholars (Hino & Oda, 2015) have focused on its possible implications for classroom settings. Implementing ELF-informed activities in an elementary level classroom within a norm-based educational setting, this study aimed to enable students to experience these activities, and explore their pre and post views regarding Standard English, the concepts of good English, and my English. In addition, it also investigated students’ preference for their educational setting after the implementation. The implementation took seven weeks and the activities were created by the researchers. Within a mixed method design, qualitative and quantitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and two statement lists. The findings indicated that the majority of the students enjoyed the activities and their pre and post views regarding Standard English, good English and my English differ from each other. However, a substantial number of them preferred to be educated with Standard English in their language learning process. Findings also revealed that potential reasons behind this preference may be the domination of norm-based approach in their context, personal interests and prime objectives, and norm-based exams.

scholarly journals Lexical and semantic errors in the English language teaching in homogenious groups

2021 ◽  
Vol 102 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-149
Author(s):  
G. Akhmetova ◽  
◽  
A. Bizhkenova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Word Choice ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
Semantic Errors ◽  
Lexical Competence ◽  
Incorrect Usage

The present research paper discusses the issues of identifying common lexical and semantic mistakes in Kazakh pre-intermediate EFL learners studying in homogeneous groups at university. Words are viewed as powerful tools and when used correctly, words may evoke different feelings and emotions and cause various actions. It’s important to learn how to spot difficult words, correct them timely, and master lexical competence teaching to use the words correctly. The data of the study were collected by learner’s EFL teacher from their final essays. Thirty-one essays were used as the instrument of the study to obtain real language from the participants. The authors of the study hope that the results of the conducted research would contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon of lexical and semantic errors in English language teaching which will help teachers to elaborate the differentiated tasks and ways of explaining new vocabulary preventing students’ misunderstanding. Furthermore, the results of the presented research can serve as guidance and be used in compiling EFL textbooks for Kazakhstani students. As a result, researchers managed to classify lexical and semantic errors in English language teaching, identified frequent errors, and described their causes. The findings of the research illustrate that the participants of the study make errors of word choice and incorrect collocations the most. Moreover, incorrect usage of the preposition and literal translation from L1 are included in the frequent mistakes

scholarly journals Challenges of the Sudden Switch from Mother Tongue Instruction to English as a Medium of Instruction

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Shahinaz Abdullah Bukhari
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Standard English ◽  
Medium Of Instruction ◽  
Classroom Communication ◽  
Mother Tongue Instruction

The present study explored the challenges encountered through the transition from using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction at schools to using English as a medium of instruction at universities. Two focus groups were conducted with Saudi undergraduates and faculty members from different Saudi universities. The focus groups investigated how participants perceive this experience, what difficulties they face and how they cope. Participants expressed their preference for using English as a medium of instruction in higher education to maximise students’ future and international opportunities. Participant students reported difficulties in lecture comprehension, taking notes while listening and classroom communication. Participant content lecturers reported difficulties related to students’ reluctance to speak in English, lack of English terminology and insufficient lecture comprehension. Some suggestions that have been offered to overcome these challenges include the following: designing adequate trainings for content lecturers on teaching their content in English; using Arabic-English bilingualism as medium of instruction; giving emphasis to academic literacy and communication skills over the use of standard English models and enhancing the collaborative work between English language teaching practitioners and content lecturers.

scholarly journals ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT ON VOWEL PRODUCTION OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE BY INDONESIAN EFL LEARNERS

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Rudha Widagsa ◽  
Ahmad Agung Yuwono Putro
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
First Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
British English ◽  
Formant Frequencies ◽  
English Vowels ◽  
Second Formant

Indonesian is the most widely spoken language in Indonesia. More than 200 million people speak the language as a first language. However, acoustic study on Indonesian learners of English (ILE) production remains untouched. The purpose of this measurement is to examine the influence of first language (L1) on English vowels production as a second language (L2). Based on perceptual magnet hypothesis (PMH), ILE were predicted to produce close sounds to L1 English where the vowels are similar to Indonesian vowels. Acoustic analysis was conducted to measure the formant frequencies. This study involved five males of Indonesian speakers aged between 20-25 years old. The data of British English native speakers were taken from previous study by Hawkins & Midgley (2005). The result illustrates that the first formant frequencies (F1) which correlates to the vowel hight of Indonesian Learners of English were significantly different from the corresponding frequencies of British English vowels. Surprisingly, the significant differences in second formant (F2) of ILE were only in the production of /ɑ, ɒ, ɔ/ in which /ɑ/=p 0.002, /ɒ/ =p 0,001, /ɔ/ =p 0,03. The vowel space area of ILE was slightly less spacious than the native speakers. This study is expected to shed light in English language teaching particularly as a foreign language.Keywords: VSA, EFL, Indonesian learners, formant frequencies, acoustic

A Lexical Study Based on Corpora, DDL, and Moodle

2011 ◽  
pp. 204-218
Author(s):  
Yasunori Nishina
Keyword(s):  
Native Speakers ◽  
English Abstract ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Abstract Noun ◽  
Japanese Learners Of English ◽  
Japanese Learners ◽  
Lexical Study ◽  
Implied Meaning ◽  
English Noun

This chapter suggests an effective method for lexical studies using Moodle within the framework of data-driven learning based on parallel concordances, and particularly shows how teachers can prepare and compile materials of a specific keyword for Japanese learners of English. It is often the case that knowledge of L1 possessed by EFL learners affects that of L2 when they do L2 writing. The author shows this using the case of the English abstract noun condition, because it differs in its usage (e.g., implied meaning and context) by English native speakers and by Japanese EFL learners. Errors of this kind can be overcome by presenting parallel concordances concerning translation equivalents and their synonyms of the English noun in question. Thus, the several steps in the compilation of classroom materials based on parallel concordances with Moodle are presented here.

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