scholarly journals What is the Nature of Language? How does it Behave? What is Language Learning then? A Review Paper in Applied Linguistics

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 603-618
Author(s):  
Job W. Mwakapina
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Review Paper ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
General View ◽  
Teacher Views ◽  
Definition Of

Language is viewed differently by people from different fields, and one of the reasons why linguists and philosophers encounter difficulties in clarifying what the study of language should involve has to do with the general view that language means many things to people from different disciplines. This paper provides a comprehensive and analytical discussion patterning to the nature of language, theories, methods, and approaches to language teaching and learning based on a literature review. In particular, the paper answers questions of what is the nature of language, what is involved in the study of a language and how does it behave? And how language can be taught effectively? To address these questions, the paper has reviewed various studies on the definition of language and the trend in trying to define language. Also, it has examined how much scholars have defined language economically, but adequately, and it has discussed the nature of language and its assumptions or theories, then it has indicated how language can be best taught. The review indicates that there are conflicting claims about the nature of language, and thus, it is difficult to define the nature of language or to tie it down to one statement, for it means many things to different people. The paper concludes that it is difficult to define the nature of language comprehensively in one statement, and the concept of language teaching is mainly influenced by the idea of the nature of language, and on how language is taught and learnt. Therefore, success in language teaching depends on the learning environment, how a teacher views what is a language or the nature of language and on the motivations of learning provided to the learners.

scholarly journals Editor's Introduction

2011 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. vi-vii
Author(s):  
Charlene Polio
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Collaborative Writing ◽  
Asia Pacific ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Second Languages ◽  
Specific Skill ◽  
Second Language Pedagogy

With this volume of the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics (ARAL), I continue the tradition of my predecessors of producing a volume on the topic second language pedagogy about every five years. Although applied linguistics encompasses more than the teaching and learning of second languages, articles on these topics tend to be among the most downloaded from the ARAL web site. I decided, however, to break with the tradition of focusing mostly on specific skill areas. Because language teaching is a situated activity that cannot be separated from its contexts and learners, the first section is devoted to language learning in or for specific contexts (secondary school settings, online, the workplace, the Asia-Pacific region, and study abroad), and the second section focuses on specific learners (young learners, adult emergent readers, and hearing learners of sign language). These are followed by a section on integrated approaches and includes articles on language-literature instruction, content and language integrated learning, the application of corpus research to language teaching, and multimodal literacy. The final section includes articles on more specific skill areas including teaching non-Roman writing systems, collaborative writing, and pragmatics.

scholarly journals Introduction to the Special Issue: The Psychology of Teaching and Learning Content and Language

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Kyle Talbot ◽  
Marie-Theres Gruber ◽  
Rieko Nishida
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Learning Content ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Psychological Experiences

We are pleased to present the first special issue for the Journal for the Psychology of Language Learning (JPLL). The existence of this journal suggests an increased recognition of the importance of psychological factors in language teaching and learning. Indeed, the once emerging field of the psychology of language learning and teaching (PLLT) seems to have cemented itself as a permanent subdiscipline within applied linguistics. With this special issue we want to take the opportunity to draw attention to the psychological experiences of stakeholders in integrated content and language (ICL) settings. These settings present unique challenges and opportunities for teachers and learners and remain relatively underexplored (cf. De Smet et al., 2018; Doiz & Lasagabaster, 2018; Gierlinger, 2007; Gruber et al., 2020; Moate, 2011; Pappa et al., 2017). As such, our principle aim with this special issue is to draw increased attention to this domain of research in the hopes of uncovering ways to better support teachers and learners in these specific settings.

scholarly journals Behaviorism and Foreign Language Teaching Methodology

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Asep Budiman
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
View Point ◽  
Left Behind

ABSTRACT This paper aims at exploring in details about one of the left language learning theoriesnamely Behaviorism. Behaviorism, as how it is today, is gradually left behind since there are many new theories of language learning. Regarding this issue, it is very important to ensure that actually Behaviorism is still useful in certain teaching and learning activities in the classroom. This review investigates behaviorism methodology having advantages in learning a language in the classroom. This review also observes the critics of behaviorism and its weaknesses in a learning environment. This inquiry concentrates on the view point of B.F. Skinner, one of the most outspoken behaviorism psychologist and his experimentations about animals. The notion of antimentalism of behaviorism also discussed in the process. Keywords: Behaviorism Theory, Foreign Language, Teaching Methodology

Using a Task-Based Approach for Supporting a Blended Learning Model for English as a Foreign Language

2015 ◽  
pp. 1166-1184
Author(s):  
Anita Ferreira Ferreira ◽  
Jaime García Salinas ◽  
Sandra Morales
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Training Strategies ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

As Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has taken an important role in foreign language teaching and learning, not only is concrete data about the usefulness of technology- mediated environments for these purposes necessary, but also how the learning process is improved in such environments when learner training for CALL. The objective of this paper is to present an investigation which sought to explore empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of a blended learning model, and also the use of language learning strategies in this kind of learning environment in order to increase its methodological potency with language learners. Consequently, this paper shows the findings of 2 experimental studies which aimed to provide data on (1) the efficiency of a blended learning (BL) model for language teaching and learning which combined task-based instruction, cooperative learning and optimal methodological principles for online learning (Doughty & Long, 2003), and (2) the use of learner training strategies for CALL in order to support and enhance the language learning process in this blended learning environment. The results from both studies suggest that the experimental group improved their language proficiency when compared to the control group. As a result, it is possible to conclude that (1) the blended learning design that included online tasks and cooperative instruction was beneficial for the development of language skills and (2) the use of learner training strategies for the blended learning model was highly beneficial for the students' language learning experience.

A closer look at blended learning — parameters for designing a blended learning environment for language teaching and learning

ReCALL ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
PETRA NEUMEIER
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Optimal Basis ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual

In the course of designing, writing and implementing CALL-supported material, it has become evident to me that a systematic investigation into the factors that shape the Blended Learning (BL) experience in the context of language learning and teaching is missing and urgently needed. The core question when designing a BL environment is: Which combination of modes provides the optimal basis for language learning and teaching given the particular conditions at hand? In order to tackle this question, course designers need a framework of parameters that help them decide on the individual, context-related implementation of BL. It is the purpose of this paper to put forward a definition of BL and a framework of parameters for designing a BL environment. In order to achieve a better understanding of the factors that shape the practice and the experience of BL, the main parameters which form a BL environment will be listed and specified. These parameters evolved from the experience of designing Jobline LMU (www.jobline.lmu.de) and will hopefully prove to be helpful for the process of designing other BL environments. If applied successfully, the idea of BL could serve as a bridge between the broader community of language teachers and learners and CALL experts and practitioners. BL offers the potential of broadening the scope and influence of CALL and of (re-)establishing it as an innovative component of general language teaching.

scholarly journals Language teaching and learning as a transdisciplinary endeavour

AILA Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 14-28
Author(s):  
Anthony J. Liddicoat
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Translation Equivalent ◽  
Contact Language ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Teaching Learning ◽  
Disciplinary Area ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

Abstract Language teaching and learning is commonly considered as a research discipline that resides within the field of ‘applied linguistics’, at least in the way the field is conceptualized by English-speaking academia. However, if we consider language teaching and learning as practice, this fit is not as neat as it at first might appear. Teaching, learning and using an additional language is complex and multifaceted; it involves languages, cultures, learning, communication, identities, etc., which in turn are situated academically within a host of disciplines. Research in language teaching and learning is therefore transdisciplinary in the sense that multiple disciplines can provide different lenses through which to understand the same phenomena and to build new understandings of the object of interest. Moreover, as a field in which languages and cultures are inherently brought into contact, language teaching and learning is also at an intersection between disciplines that are conceptualized and developed differently in different languages and academic traditions. For example, ‘language teaching’ as a disciplinary area does not map well onto its French translation equivalent ‘didactique des langues’. These interactions across academic traditions therefore represent an often-unacknowledged form of transdisciplinarity. This contribution will examine how language teaching and learning can be informed by a transdisciplinary perspective in both these senses. In particular, it will focus on the idea of language learning from an intercultural perspective to examine how multiple disciplines and different disciplinary traditions contribute to shaping understanding of the field; it will also consider some of the challenges of bringing multiple disciplines to bear on this understanding.

Reframing Technology's Role in Language Teaching: A Retrospective Report

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 8-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Lomicka ◽  
Gillian Lord
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Modern Language Association ◽  
Modern Language

AbstractAs the field of applied linguistics ponders and even embraces the myriad roles technology affords language education, we frame this critical report within the context of the Modern Language Association's 2007 report, along with earlier state-of-the-field Annual Review of Applied Linguistics (ARAL) pieces (e.g., Blake, 2007; 2011) to consider not only where we've come from but also, crucially, where the field is headed. This article begins with an overview of the field, examining the role of technology and how it has been leveraged over decades of language teaching. We also explore issues such as the goals established by the Modern Language Association (MLA) with respect to shaping technological vision and the role of technology in enhancing the field of language education. We use this critical assessment to offer insights into how the field of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) can help shape the future of language teaching and learning.

TBLT through the lens of applied linguistics

2016 ◽  
Vol 167 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Bygate
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Real World ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Research To Practice ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Real World Problems

Ever since the establishment in the 1940’s of the distinguished journal Language Learning, a significant proportion of research in applied linguistics has defined itself as aiming to address practical problems of language teaching. Given the definition of applied linguistics as ‘the theoretical and empirical study of real world problems in which language has a central role’ (after Brumfit, 2001), an ambition to relate its work to practical language teaching problems is appropriate. Task-based language teaching is a subarea of applied linguistics which deliberately aims to link research to practice. With this in mind, this paper will seek to evaluate the extent to which TBLT research has to date engaged with — and helped address — the real world problems of language education. It then attempts to derive some implications for future directions of TBLT research as a part of an empirical applied linguistics.

Using a Task-Based Approach for Supporting a Blended Learning Model for English as a Foreign Language

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Ferreira Ferreira ◽  
Jaime García Salinas ◽  
Sandra Morales
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Training Strategies ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

As Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has taken an important role in foreign language teaching and learning, not only is concrete data about the usefulness of technology- mediated environments for these purposes necessary, but also how the learning process is improved in such environments when learner training for CALL. The objective of this paper is to present an investigation which sought to explore empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of a blended learning model, and also the use of language learning strategies in this kind of learning environment in order to increase its methodological potency with language learners. Consequently, this paper shows the findings of 2 experimental studies which aimed to provide data on (1) the efficiency of a blended learning (BL) model for language teaching and learning which combined task-based instruction, cooperative learning and optimal methodological principles for online learning (Doughty & Long, 2003), and (2) the use of learner training strategies for CALL in order to support and enhance the language learning process in this blended learning environment. The results from both studies suggest that the experimental group improved their language proficiency when compared to the control group. As a result, it is possible to conclude that (1) the blended learning design that included online tasks and cooperative instruction was beneficial for the development of language skills and (2) the use of learner training strategies for the blended learning model was highly beneficial for the students' language learning experience.

THE ADVANTAGES OF PROMOTING LEARNERS’ AUTONOMY IN EFL CONTEXT

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hapsari Dwi Kartika
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learner Autonomy ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Autonomous Learning ◽  
English Teaching ◽  
Efl Context ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Students Success

This paper explains why learner autonomy is taken into account in language learning where English is a foreign language for the learners particularly in Indonesia. The definition of learner autonomy and its advantages to language learner in EFL contexts will be described within this paper. Many scholars from psychological education and English teaching and learning had proved that language learning can be improved by certain strategy. They revealed the correlation between the autonomous learning with students’ success in learning with different aspect. The definition of autonomy is similar to many different words such as self-regulated and self-determined. Finally, the writer suggests how teacher can promote the autonomous learning atmosphere in the classroom.Keywords: strategy, promoting autonomy, EFL context, Indonesia

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