scholarly journals An Empowerment Tool for Teaching English Effectively to Refugees: A Case Study of Syrian Adult Refugees in the UK

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Aisha M. Alhussain
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Rote Learning ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Self Reliance ◽  
The Uk

There is a growing demand today to fill the gap in the literature with studies that focus on teaching English to adult refugees who are illiterate or have had interrupted education and no English proficiency. This group has been ignored because ESOL courses are not designed to serve their needs, namely, to be self-reliant and socially integrated. This paper shares my personal experience with six Syrian adult refugees, 2 females and 4 males ranging in age from 26 to 52, with either interrupted elementary education or illiteracy. They had no English language proficiency and could neither speak nor understand English at all. Their first language was Arabic. The rote learning approach was used as an empowerment tool to teach self-reliance in speaking and listening when dealing with these participants’ priority themes. The approach is based on memorization using both repetition and recall. Their remarks of progress towards self-reliance varied due to age and motivational factors. Four participants moved from A0 level to A1+, while the other two reached A2 level. Gaining self-reliance helped them to socially integrate, find a job, and gain greater self-confidence. Results of the study might be useful to teachers who are involved in teaching English to refugees as volunteers and to refugees’ organizations to shift from relying totally on interpretation to rote learning when specifically dealing with this group of refugees.

scholarly journals Native vs. non-native EFL teachers: Who are better?

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-147
Author(s):  
Kurniawati Kurniawati ◽  
Dini Rizki
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
English Language ◽  
Native Speaker ◽  
First Language ◽  
Quality Teachers ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
English Speaking ◽  
Native English Speaking ◽  
Native English Speaking Teachers

This paper discusses possible advantages of having Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) to teach English as a Foreign-Language (EFL) especially in Asian countries when they are often regarded as inferior to their Native English-Speaking Teachers (NESTs) counterparts. A native speaker fallacy has emphasized that NESTs are better teachers of EFL and have put NNESTs at a disadvantage. Actually, NNESTs possess advantages that can make them better teachers for teaching English in an EFL/ESL setting connected with their own EFL learning experiences and with sharing the same first language and cultural background with their students. While considered to have lower English language proficiency and lower self-confidence compared to NESTs, NNESTs who have made the effort to become quality teachers can position themselves as ideal English teachers in their own environment.

scholarly journals Pronunciation Of The English Voiceless Postalveolar Affricate /tʃ/ In Yemeni EFL Learners’ Production

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Najah Ahmad Khamis ◽  
Rohaiza Jupri
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Final Word ◽  
Sound System ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Quantitative Case Study

<p>Achieving a near-native speaker’s pronunciation is so essential for EFL learners. However, many factors contribute to the challenges faced by EFL learners, mainly due to the difference in the sound system of English Language and that of their first language. For this reason, Arab learners of English Language may mispronounce some English sounds. This paper analyzed one of the few problematic sounds to the Arab Yemeni EFL learners - the pronunciation of the English voiceless postalveolar affricate /ʧ/. The study which has a quantitative case study design uses four Yemeni EFL postgraduate students as its participants. The participants’ pronunciations of /tʃ/ sound in the initial, middle and final word-positions were analyzed using Praat phonetic software. The findings of the study showed that Yemeni EFL learners have difficulties in producing the /tʃ/ sound, especially in the initial and final positions, and deaffrication of /tʃ/  occurred in the  pronunciation of the four participants. The current study is expected to be of value, particularly for EFL learners, teachers, as well as material writers.</p><p> </p>

Reading in Mandarin and English: Using Reading Miscue Inventory and Retrospective Miscue Analysis with Adult English Language Learners

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Yang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Reading Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Native Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Reading Process ◽  
Instructional Tool ◽  
Evaluation Tool

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This qualitative case study explored five college ELLs' reading processes in their native Mandarin language and the English language. The purpose of this case study is 1) to discover the reading process of five native-Mandarin-speaking adult ELLs at a large Midwestern university; 2) to learn their perceptions of reading; and 3) to learn about their strategy use in reading the selected materials in both Mandarin and English. I met with each participant individually. In the beginning I did the reading interests inventory and the Burke Reading Interview in Mandarin and in English to learn about their beliefs in the two languages. I surveyed their reading metacognition in both languages. Then I selected four pieces of texts (two in Mandarin and two in English) for RMI and RMA with each reader. At the end, I did post-interviews and post-surveys. Through the study, I kept a double entry journal. Then I conducted within-case analysis and cross-case analysis. This study found 1) by the end the participants believed reading was to know the meaning in both languages and helping them to examine their reading in their first language makes them more successful in their second language; 2) the readers used all linguistic and pragmatic language cueing systems to construct meaning in both languages, and they relied more on linguistic cueing systems in English; 3) they used all natural reading strategies and other similar strategies in both languages, and applied unique strategies to construct meaning in English; 4) the RMA sessions helped the participants build their confidence and revalue their reading, especially in English; 5) the participants became more metacognitive through the RMA sessions, and highly proficient readers may not be the most metacognitive ones. This study suggests RMI is an effective reading evaluation tool for the reading process of the first language as well as the second language. Reading teachers and ELL teachers could use RMI to understand their students' reading process and re-evaluate their students' reading comprehension. This study also suggests RMA is an effective instructional tool. The RMA sessions could build the students' confidence, focus more on meaning, and uncover their reading strategies, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. ELLs need to read actively and closely for meaning; use their successful native language reading strategies and unique strategies in their English reading; experience aesthetic reading for pleasure and read various genres and different topics; and read aloud as long as it is meaningful. ELL teachers need to help the learners establish their belief about reading; use RMI as an evaluation tool; use RMA as an instructional tool and help readers embrace their good reading strategies; encourage them to use their successful native language reading strategies and unique English language reading strategies; and encourage readers to read widely outside of classroom.

An Investigation of the Relationship of Motivation, Attitudes and Environment

2018 ◽  
pp. 1126-1139
Author(s):  
Helen, Yeh Wai Man
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Attribution Theory ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Self Confidence

This chapter will study a Philippine and a Chinese leaner's approaches to learn and achieve English language proficiency over 15 years in Hong Kong using biographical approaches. It focuses on the experience of individual motivation and social learning environments, and examines the interactions between the learner's motivation, self-confidence, and competition in the global economy. The effect of the interaction on shaping English learning and the learning experiences in three aspects including formal, self-directed and natural learning environments will also be discussed through Gardner's model of socio-educational model in second language acquisition and Weiner's attribution theory in social psychology. The chapter will suggest some practical implications for students and language teachers, discusses the ways to enhance second language learning in a cosmopolitan city, and presents some possible ways to increase learners' motivation and competitiveness in the global economy.

scholarly journals Tom McArthur's English Today

English Today ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-8
Author(s):  
Kingsley Bolton ◽  
David Graddol ◽  
Rajend Mesthrie
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Cambridge University ◽  
Founding Editor ◽  
Language Studies ◽  
Wide Readership ◽  
Global Language ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The University

ABSTRACTAs English Today notches up a century, it's high time to acknowledge Tom McArthur's inimitable contribution to the study of English worldwide.Tom McArthur's contribution to English language studies has been immense, and has had a powerful impact at a number of levels. Tom started his life as an educator, gaining crucial exposure to English across the globe very early in his career, when in one of his first jobs teaching English at the Cathedral School in Bombay (Mumbai). After a varied academic career, which included a post at the University of Quebec, Tom returned to the UK to start a new journal for Cambridge University Press, English Today. Tom's brief at that time was to be the founding editor of a journal that would inform a wide readership about the highways and byways of the English language, during an era when English was becoming a global language at an unprecedented speed.

scholarly journals Use of Journal Articles in English Language Classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 110-116
Author(s):  
Sagar Poudel
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Teachers And Students

Teaching English without any instructional materials may be difficult or even impossible. There are lots of materials which facilitate both the teachers and students in language teaching and learning. As with other teaching materials and resources, journal articles are also an important source for language teaching. Taking this into account, this article tries to explore how EFL teachers perceive the value of journal articles and how they use them in their classrooms. More specifically, the article tries to explore whether and to what extent journal articles can be used as instructional materials, and what strategies teachers employ to use journals articles to enhance language proficiency of their students.Journal of NELTA ,  Vol. 22, No. 1-2, 2017 December, Page: 110-116

“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.

scholarly journals PENTINGNYA PENERAPAN IMO RESOLUTION A.918 (22) TENTANG STANDARD MARINE COMMUNICATION PHRASES BAGI DECK OFFICER DI KAPAL

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suryo Guritno
Keyword(s):  
Free Trade ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
World Economy ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Proficiency ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Shipping Industry ◽  
The World ◽  
Increasing Demand

<p>Progress in technology has make a method of delivery of goods that more and more efficient and effective of various modes of transportation. For four the last decade, the number of estimates trade in the sea has increase fourfold , from 8 trillion tons a nautical miles in 2008 (ICS : 2010). Throughout the 20th century , shipping industry the world has experienced the trend of increased the total volume of trade. The industrialized and liberalization the various peoples  triggered free trade and increasing demand for consumer products. In spite of multilateral diplomatic problems among nations , the development of world economy was advanced has caused the limits of the country began disguised, trade ships with any nationality , can be easily do their activities in any country , a ship that is manned by sailors of another race will interact with the parties outside the ship which certainly have different languages. The importance of english language proficiency in this context is to support boat safety because of several factors the case study of an accident of a vessel which is often occur because of a misunderstanding in communications where take care of less officer to take control of the english that well. The problems discussed in this journal is communication between a ship or bridge to bridge communication , and interen vessel in communication related to operational above a ship. Where the data in extract derived from case study accident a ship which occurs because<br />misunderstanding different language used above the ship it self .</p><p><strong>Keywords : Brige to Bridge, shipwreck, Deck Officer, Marine Communication Standard</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p><p>Kemajuan teknologi telah membuat metode pengiriman barang yang semakin efisien dan efektif dari berbagai moda transportasi. Selama empat dekade terakhir, jumlah perkiraan perdagangan di laut telah meningkat empat kali lipat, dari hanya 8 triliun ton per mil laut pada tahun 2008 (ICS : 2010). Sepanjang abad ke-20, industry perkapalan dunia telah mengalami kecenderungan peningkatan total volume perdagangan. Meningkatnya industrialisasi dan liberalisasi ekonomi berbagai bangsa telah memicu perdagangan bebas dan miningkatnya permintaan untuk produk-produk konsumen. Terlepas dari persoalan diplomatik multilateral antar bangsa, perkembangan ekonomi dunia yang begitu pesat telah menyebabkan batas-batas negara mulai tersamarkan, kapal-kapal niaga dengan kebangsaan manapun, dapat dengan mudah melakukan kegiatannya di negara manapun, yang berarti suatu kapal yang diawaki oleh pelaut dari bangsa lain akan berinteraksi dengan pihak-pihak di luar kapalnya yang tentu saja memiliki bahasa yang berbeda. Pentingnya penguasaan bahasa Inggris dalam hal ini adalah untuk menunjang keselamatan kapal karena adanya beberapa faktor studi kasus kecelakaan kapal yang sering terjadi karena adanya kesalahpahaman dalam berkomunikasi dimana perwira jaga kurang menguasai bahasa Inggris dengan baik. Permasalahan yang akan dibahas pada jurnal ini adalah komunikasi antar kapal atau Bridge to Bridge Communication, maupun interen vessel in communication yang berhubungan erat dengan operasional diatas kapal. Dimana data yang di ambil berasal dari studi kasus kecelakaan kapal yang terjadi karena kesalahpahaman perbedaan bahasa yang<br />digunakan di atas kapal itu sendiri.</p><p><strong>Kata kunci : Komunikasi antar kapal, Kecelakaan kapal, Deck Officer, Standard Marine</strong><br /><strong>Communication</strong></p><p><strong><br /></strong></p>

scholarly journals Syllabus Design for Pre-service English Language Teachers in Spain

2018 ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Gloria Luque Agulló
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
English Language ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Teaching Program ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Educational Law ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
English Language Teachers

This paper describes the steps involved in designing educational programs for pre-service English language teachers in Secondary education within the Spanish context, following the current educational law (LOMCE).  Considering the century-long search for the best method within TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), and the continuous reforms of educational laws in Spain, pre-service teachers must learn the competences and skills essential for designing of their own teaching program. The series of steps described here will enable teachers to show accountability to educational authorities and increase their self-confidence, subsequently improving their craft in the language classroom.

scholarly journals Scope of Cooperative Learning (CL) Strategies in Teaching English to Saudi Adult EFL Learners: A Study of Practical Barriers and Possible Implications

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ishtiaq ◽  
Muhammad Sabboor Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Educational Administration ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Efl Teachers

This study aims at investigating the teachers’ practices and perceptions in teaching English in Saudi Arabia by viewing their stance on Cooperative Learning (CL) — an innovative teaching approach proposed to raise the language proficiency level of adult EFL learners. The study has been conducted in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia—a vibrant and flourishing EFL context. A quantitative tool (a questionnaire) has been used to collect data and to serve qualitative purposes. It reports 80 EFL teachers’ (40 males and 40 females) perceptions about CL using a 17-items comprehensive survey covering all the possible barriers in the way of implementing CL strategies in EFL classes. The survey items also explore how the EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia foresee the implications of making such an innovative move in their classes. The responses have been analyzed on a 5-point Likert scale which ranges from strongly disagree-disagree-neutral-agree-strongly agree. Major findings are that CL strategies have practical barriers but their implications are far more positive. The barriers are mainly due to the wrong learning habits of the adult EFL learners in Qassim University and lack of will and vision of the educational administration. The study recommends that CL strategies need to be given due consideration and support by the administrators and policy makers to raise the proficiency level of adult EFL learners. The study also allays the misconception that majority of the practitioners in English language teaching field are not ready to practice and implement CL strategies in their classes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document