scholarly journals What Motivates L3 Learners’ Investment and/or Divestment in Arabic? Understanding Learning Motivation in terms of “Identity”

2020 ◽  
Vol 84 ◽  
pp. 27-39
Author(s):  
Jing Liao ◽  
Ning An ◽  
Yongyan Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
First Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Third Language ◽  
Material Resources ◽  
Perspective Drawing ◽  
Chinese Learners ◽  
The Relationship

The study extends our understanding of the relationship between identity and Arabic learning in the Chinese context from a sociolinguistic perspective. Drawing on Darvin and Norton’s (2015) model of investment, the study explores the interplay between identity and investment in the context of Chinese learners’ motivation to learn Arabic. The sample population comprises 25 adult Arabic learners with Chinese as their first language, English as their second language, and Arabic as their third language. Qualitative data from learners’ retrospective narrative accounts and complementary semi-structured interviews were analyzed in terms of identity and investment. The findings show that these Chinese Arabic learners’ constitutive orientation towards language learning is highly related to their multifaceted and fluid identities (inherited identities, competitive identities, and imagined identities), which are complex and dynamic and can be negotiated and constructed over time, involving learners’ perceptions of affordances in capital resources and their goals of acquiring symbolic and material resources. Therefore, investment/divestment is influenced by the interconnections between identities and perceptions. The study concludes with some methodological and theoretical implications for future research on learning LOTEs (languages other than English) and investment.

scholarly journals Technology and language learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Huzairin Huzairin ◽  
Gede Eka Putrawan ◽  
Bambang Riadi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Use ◽  
First Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Online Activities ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship

A considerable number of studies on mobile-assisted language learning have been conducted, but less attention has been paid to online informal learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) performed using smartphones among undergraduate EFL learners in Indonesia. Thus, this study was specifically aimed at investigating EFL learners’ most frequently-performed EFL learning activities through smartphones, the predominant online language use, and the relationship between EFL learners’ predominant online language use and their perceived EFL proficiency. The study adopted a quantitative approach. The findings reveal that the participants still more frequently access content and information from their smartphones for receptive rather than interactive/productive online activities. Indonesian, which is the participants’ first language, is still predominantly used for their online activities. The mean score of the perceived EFL proficiency of those who frequently perform online activities in English is statistically and significantly higher than those performing online activities in Indonesian. Overall, the mean score of the perceived EFL proficiency of those performing online activities in English is higher than those in Indonesian, although the difference is not statistically significant. Finally, the study’s implications with suggestions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals Gay Male Football Fans’ Experiences: Authenticity, Belonging and Conditional Acceptance

Sociology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 003803852199401
Author(s):  
Rory Magrath
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Minority ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Gay Male ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Football Fans ◽  
Conditional Acceptance ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between English football and homosexuality has changed significantly in recent years. However, research examining this area of study has predominantly focused on the attitudes of ostensibly heterosexual men. By drawing on semi-structured interviews with 35 ‘out’ gay male fans, this article is the first to focus explicitly on LGBT fans’ sense of place in English football. Contrary to previous research, these gay male fans represent ‘authentic’ notions of fandom through their passion for football and respective clubs. The recent emergence of LGBT Fan Groups has provided sexual minority fans increased visibility, and a sense of belonging and community. Finally, despite ongoing concerns about football stadia’s hypermasculine and heteronormative environment, these fans believe that they have become an increasingly inclusive space. Accordingly, this article demonstrates that sexual minority fans are central to English football and argues that future research must acknowledge their increased prevalence.

Investigating Chinese University Students’ Enjoyment in a Web-Based Language Learning Environment: Validation of the Online Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale

2021 ◽  
pp. 003151252110417
Author(s):  
Xin Wang ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
Yizhi Yang ◽  
Lu Wang
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
First Language ◽  
Pedagogical Practices ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Chinese University ◽  
Confirmatory Factor

The revolution in web-based technologies has enriched pedagogical practices and motivated scholars to address learners’ positive and negative emotions in the web-based language learning environment. In this study, we first examined the psychometric properties of the Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale (FLES) and then developed the Online Foreign Language Enjoyment Scale (OFLES). We adopted a mixed-method approach using a sample of 383 first language Chinese EFL undergraduates. In stage one of the research, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported an 11-item and 4-factor OFLES structure with an ideal model fit. The four sub-domains of the new enjoyment construct were OFLES- Teacher, Private, Interaction, and Competence. The Teacher domain accounted for most variance. In stage two, the qualitative analyses of feedback on an open-ended question concerning enjoyable episodes from 56 of the 383 participants revealed various sources of enjoyment for Chinese university EFL learners attending online English courses. Our findings contribute to an emerging wave of research examining the cross-contextual application of the FLES and provide important pedagogical implications for L2 practitioners and researchers. We discuss suggestions for future research.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Relationship between Language Learning Strategies and Learning Styles in Turkish Freshman Students

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Ozgul Balci
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Freshman Students ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Education In Turkey ◽  
The Relationship

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the language learning strategies of freshman students and their learning styles. This study is a descriptive research and employs a relational screening model. Participants of the study were 328 freshman students majoring in different fields at Necmettin Erbakan University Ahmet Keleşoğlu Faculty of Education in Turkey. Data were collected via Turkish version of “Strategy Inventory of Language Learning (SILL)”, originally developed by Oxford (1990) and adapted into Turkish by Cesur and Fer (2007) and “Big 16 Learning Modality Inventory” by Şimşek (2002). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The research results revealed that learning styles have a significant effect on language learning strategy use. The results and implications of the study are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered.

scholarly journals The Impact of Utilising Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) on Vocabulary Acquisition among Migrant Women English Learners

10.28945/3703 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 037-057
Author(s):  
Kham Sila Ahmad ◽  
Jocelyn Armarego ◽  
Fay Sudweeks
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Migrant Women ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mobile Assisted Language Learning ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: To develop a framework for utilizing Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) to assist non-native English migrant women to acquire English vocabulary in a non-formal learning setting. Background: The women in this study migrated to Australia with varied backgrounds including voluntary or forced migration, very low to high levels of their first language (L1), low proficiency in English, and isolated fulltime stay-at-home mothers. Methodology: A case study method using semi-structured interviews and observations was used. Six migrant women learners attended a minimum of five non-MALL sessions and three participants continued on and attended a minimum of five MALL sessions. Participants were interviewed pre- and post-sessions. Data were analysed thematically. Contribution: The MALL framework is capable of enriching migrant women’s learning experience and vocabulary acquisition. Findings: Vocabulary acquisition occurred in women from both non-MALL and MALL environment; however, the MALL environment provided significantly enriched vocabulary learning experience. Future Research: A standardised approach to measure the effectiveness of MALL for vocabulary acquisition among migrant women in non-formal setting

scholarly journals Dynamic Transfer and Relations between First Language (L1) Proficiency and Second Language (L2) Writing Skills Performance

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulelah Alkhateeb
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dynamic Relationship ◽  
Arabic And English ◽  
L1 And L2

This study investigates the transfer relationship between first language (L1) (Arabic) proficiency and second language (L2) (English) performance in writing skills of a Saudi bilingual graduate student. Several studies have discussed the transfer issues in language learning, yet a few of them focus on the transfer relationships between Arabic and English language writing skills. Regardless of the huge linguistic distinction between the English language and Arabic language, it is presumed that Arabic and English writing skills positively, negatively, and neutrally transferred in a dynamic relationship. The researcher has conducted observations and interviews with Fatimah, the participant of this study, and analyzed her texts in both languages to illustrate how dynamic relationships between L1 and L2 in the composition skills is and what the effects of language transfer in the composition skills between L1 and L2 are. The data were collected and analyzed in January 2018. The results demonstrate effects of L2 on L1 as the following; first, a reverse or backward transfer implemented in three ways; positive, negative, and neutral transfer. Second, they indicate that there is a dynamic relationship between second language performance and first language proficiency in composition particularly. It is hoped that this knowledge will assist students in being aware of the effects of L2 on L1 specifically in composition and taking the advantages to accelerate the rate of language learning. It is recommended for future research to conduct studies in bilingual writings to investigate how L1 could be a resource and advocate of language development.

Research and Reflective Practice in the Pre-Literate ESL Classroom

2020 ◽  
pp. 243-271
Author(s):  
Vineetha Hewagodage
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Program ◽  
English Only ◽  
Low Educated

This chapter reports on findings of a qualitative study conducted with diverse cultural and linguistic background adult students engaged in learning English through an adult migrant English language program offered in a refugee welcome zone in a rural region of Australia. Twenty students whose first language was not English were observed in the language learning environment and participated in semi-structured interviews. The research explored how English language learning can be best supported for humanitarian refugees with little or no literacy in their first language to become acculturated and socially integrated into Australian society. It was found that the typical ‘English only approach' that is commonly used in the Adult Migrant English Language Program (AMEP) to teach literacy and develop proficiency in the English language is called into question when applied to learners with limited or no print literacy skills in their first language. It was concluded that these learners, who are commonly referred to in the literature as LESLLA (Low Educated Second Language Acquisition and Literacy for Adults), are faced with a number of social exclusionary practices during their integration process. Recommendations are made on how these issues might be addressed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Language and Skills Training on Immigrants's Lives

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping Wong ◽  
Patricia Duff ◽  
Margaret Early
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Job Search ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Assessment Tests ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Employment Barriers ◽  
The Impact

This study is a qualitative exploration of the experiences of immigrants who completed a health care aide training program that combined occupational skills and ESL training. The focus was the employment barriers and personal benefits associated with program completion. Data were collected through structured interviews with nine participants, eight of whom were women, which were then transcribed and analyzed for central themes. The interview data were supplemented with document data consisting of information from application forms and intake assessment tests. The findings revealed that participation in the training program had a major impact on the employment, identities, and settlement of program participants. The skills and language training improved the employment prospects of the individuals, although many had to overcome such employment barriers as the need to work on call, conflicts between domestic responsibilities and work outside the home, and transportation limitations. Many participants also spoke of the importance of learning job-search skills and the personal significance of having an occupational identity. Finally, successful completion of the program increased the self-confidence and autonomy of the individuals, which in turn aided their settlement and integration into Canadian society. The article concludes with recommendations for future research in this area, as well as pedagogical interventions to assist participants with their ongoing language learning, job aspirations, and settlement.

Power and Influence Strategies in Violent and Nonviolent Marriages

1992 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 449-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Hanson Frieze ◽  
Maureen C. McHugh
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Close Relationships ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Balance Of Power ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Influence Strategies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Dimension ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

How important is the use of physical violence in determining the balance of power within marriage? Do women in violent marriages make more use of indirect strategies in attempting to persuade their husbands than do women in nonviolent marriages? Is marital satisfaction related to influence styles? These questions are investigated by looking at decision making in couples and how this is related to the forms of influence strategies used by wives and husbands in violent and nonviolent marriages. Data from in-depth structured interviews with 137 self-identified battered wives and 137 comparison wives, some of whom were also found to have experienced violence from their husbands, are used to answer these questions. Results indicated that women with violent husbands used more influence strategies overall, although these women had less overall power in terms of decision making than did women with nonviolent husbands. The relationship of influence strategies to decision making was different for women with violent husbands than for those whose husbands were not violent. As expected, the use of coercive strategies related negatively to marital happiness, whereas positive strategies were positively predictive. Violence and other negative strategies should be included in future research on influence strategies in close relationships, and a positive–negative dimension should be included as a way of categorizing influence strategies.

“I Don’t Fit in Here and I Don’t Fit in There:” Understanding the Connections between L1 Attrition and Feelings of Identity in 1.5 Generation Russian Australians

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Venturin
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
First Language ◽  
Language And Identity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
1.5 Generation ◽  
L1 Attrition ◽  
Identity Perception ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Relationship

The present study analyzes four adult Russian-Australian 1.5ers, heritage bilinguals whose first language is Russian, and who immigrated to Australia or New Zealand during their primary school years. Semi-structured interviews conducted with the case-study participants examined their attitudes toward their Russian, their L1, and English, their L2. The interviews explored the participants’ schooling history, language use, perceived language proficiency, dominance and use, perceived L1 attrition, and feelings about their identity. The aim of the study was to understand the connections between language, particularly L1 attrition, and identity for this cohort of 1.5 generation speakers, as well as factors that may influence their identity perception. The results emerging from the study’s data reconfirm the role played by language in identity construction. At the same time, they suggest that for 1.5ers the relationship between language and identity also needs to be considered in relation to L1 attrition. This factor, in fact, might contribute to identity conflicts and trigger the desire to return to one’s roots.

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