scholarly journals Structure and Cohesion of English Narratives by Nordic and Chinese Students

Nordlyd ◽  
10.7557/12.4 ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda Lee
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Narrative Structure ◽  
Esl Students ◽  
Esl Writing ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Language Groups ◽  
Writing Problems ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Similarities And Differences

As one of the most notable studies in discourse level of English as second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) in Nordic countries, NORDWRITE project (1985) succeeds in identifying important problems and suggesting solutions for students’ writing in terms of discourse-level properties such as cohesion and superstructures. Findings from NORDWRITE project were reported in several papers, such as Enkvist (1990), Evesen (1990), Lindeberg (1988), Linnarud (1986), Wikborg (1990). However, a comparative study of Nordic and other EFL/ESL writing has not been dealt with yet. In order to identify similarities and differences between English writing of two distinct first language (L1) groups, in this study, a number of Chinese ESL texts were collected and compared with the results obtained from NORDWRITE project. In this study, narrative was elicited by giving subjects a series of pictures which allows reliable comparison across texts produced by different subjects. A group of Hong Kong Chinese tertiary students was asked to write narratives in both English and Chinese. Meanwhile, a group of English students with similar age and education background wrote the narratives in English, and their texts serve as a reference for comparison. The areas for analysis cover narrative structure and cohesion. By examining the similarities and differences in Chinese ESL students’ and Nordic EFL students’ texts, we find that certain similarities between the two groups are due to the fact that English is their second/foreign language. On the other hand, differences may be attributed to the influence of their L1, as the two groups belong to two distinct language groups. The study also shows that certain writing problems of ESL/EFL students are originated from inadequate understanding of English discourse. The implications of L1 influences on discourse level for ESL/EFL writing were drawn as well.

Functions of L1 Use in EFL Classes: Students’ Observations

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Mu'ath Algazo
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Software Package ◽  
First Language ◽  
English Classes ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
L1 Use ◽  
Arabic And English

This study aims to identify functions (Note 1) of teachers’ first language (L1) use in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes in public schools in Jordan based on students’ observations. The questionnaire items were selected based on the most common uses of L1 in second language (L2) classrooms as identified in the literature. The questionnaire was designed to elicit students’ observations to identify functions of EFL teachers’ L1 in English classes. The participants were 104 EFL students in Grades 10 and 11 in four Jordanian public schools. Participants’ responses to the questionnaire were analysed quantitatively using SPSS, a statistical software package. The study found that the students observed that their teachers shared their L1 with them in English classes to: 1) Explain complex grammar points, 2) Define some new vocabulary items, 3) Explain difficult concepts or ideas, 4) Give instructions, 5) Praise the students, 6) Translate the reading texts, and 7) Explain the similarities and differences between Arabic and English in terms of grammar, structure or pronunciation. However, the students did not observe that their teachers used the L1 in order to maintain discipline in the class as previous studies have found. The findings suggest that teachers’ L1 use in the L2 classroom may indicate the usefulness of this practice and call to license EFL teachers to use their L1 in English classes in public school in Jordan and other similar EFL contexts.

A Study on Students' Problems in ESL Writing Classes in the Arts College/ Kuwait University

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Mona Salem Rashed
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Word Choice ◽  
Esl Students ◽  
Esl Writing ◽  
Kuwait University ◽  
Writing Classes ◽  
The Arts ◽  
The Difference ◽  
At Home

This paper discusses the influence of the first language (Arabic) on the second language (English) in the writing pieces of ESL students in Arts College/ Kuwait University. Going over some writing papers taken from the students' work in class, the reader would notice a 'different English'. The overall layout of the paper, the ideas presentation, the personal expression, the syntax and word choice, the punctuation and other elements make this new language on students' papers. From papers written in class and at home, I conducted an analysis to see the difference between the two languages techniques, and to find solutions for that. I also interviewed students and they assured that Arabic has a massive influence on them. They disclosed that they read the topic in English, and think/analyze in Arabic. Some participants mentioned that their limited competence of vocabulary in English hindered them from expressing well on paper. Another group mentioned that the idea of 'being explanatory' prevailed their thinking while writing. They said that they wanted to explain their ideas well and repeatedly so that the reader/teacher would understand their points. They also had troubles in organizing the sentences according to the English paragraph style.

scholarly journals Enjoying Learning Writing through Facebook Group

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Zulfadli Abdul Aziz ◽  
Husnul Khatimah
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Situational Interest ◽  
Individual Interest ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Interactive Feedback ◽  
Group 1

This research showed many English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in Aceh struggle in learning English writing as they had a lack of interest in it. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to find out in what ways Facebook Group might facilitate the enjoyment of the students in learning this skill. The data were collected using interviews and was analyzed through thematic analysis. The interview was done one by one at a time. Ten students from UIN Ar-Raniry were purposely chosen for the interviews in this research. The research findings show that there are four themes found that caused the participants enjoyment of the learning writing in the group: (1) it provides unlimited timing; (2) it facilitates the participants’ freedom and creativity; (3) it provides the interactive feedback; and (4) it helps them in brainstorming the ideas. These four themes directly enhance the students’ situational interest in learning writing that related to an environmental factor, but it results in the development of their individual interest. This research suggests that the teacher should combine the learning process in the classroom with the Facebook group media to fasten the enhancement of the learners’ writing skills. For the learners, it is suggested that they should utilize their social media such as Facebook group not only as their communication media but also for developing their learning in writing.

scholarly journals EFL STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS THE USE OF BAHASA INDONESIA IN AN ENGLISH CLASSROOM

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Setya Resmini
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
First Language ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
English Classroom ◽  
Bahasa Indonesia

ABSTRACTThe issue of using first language (L1) in teaching English has always been a controversy in the field of teaching and learning English.  The purpose of this study was to investigate the English as Foreign Language (EFL) students’ perceptions towards the use of L1 (Bahasa Indonesia) in the English classroom. In this study, the descriptive qualitative method was employed.  The participants involved in this study are 40 EFL students in the second semester who learn General English in IKIP Siliwangi. A questionnaire which consists of 15 questions was distributed to the participants to gain primary data. To support the data from questionnaire, observation also conducted in the classroom. The findings reveal that the teacher’s use of bahasa Indonesia brought positive/negative perceptions towards students. The students give negative perception towards the teacher’s use of bahasa Indonesia in General English classroom. However, the students also recognized the advantages and disadvantages of the teacher’s use of bahasa Indonesia in the classroom.Key words: EFL; students’ perception; first language (L1); foreign language

Translation from L1 to L2 vs. direct writing

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-228
Author(s):  
Ali Jahangard ◽  
Shari Holderread
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
First Language ◽  
Intermediate Level ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Direct Writing ◽  
Translation Strategy ◽  
Language Class ◽  
Efl Students

Abstract This study explores the issue of non-native speakers writing a text in their first language (L1) and then translating the text to the second language (L2) to enhance the final text in L2. Writing samples taken from 25 Iranian engineering students in an intermediate level compulsory general English as a foreign language class served as data. The students were provided with a form which instructed them to write their first essay in Farsi (L1) and then translate it into the foreign language, English. The compositions were suggested to be two paragraphs long to provide enough text to analyze. The second composition done by the same group of students a week later on a second topic was written directly in the target language (English). Each student’s work was evaluated in detail using a rating scale divided into two main sections, writing skills and effective writing. This study showed that intermediate level EFL students writing in L1 and then using a translation strategy did not produce better writing samples in L2 than when they wrote directly in L2.

scholarly journals Investigating English Academic Writing Problems Encountered by Arab International University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 300
Author(s):  
Sarah Al-Mukdad
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
Writing Problems ◽  
International University ◽  
The Difference ◽  
English Academic Writing

This study is in the area of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It aimed to investigate the academic writing problems encountered by students at Arab International University (AIU) who are taking the Academic Writing module (AWR). The purpose of the study is to investigate this problem from the perspective of students in order to suggest possible treatments to deal with it. The data was collected through distributing a questionnaire to 50 students from different majors at AIU. Upon analyzing and discussing the obtained data, results suggest that students tend to perceive all aspects of academic writing to be difficult. One reason is that they poorly recognize the difference between academic and general English writing due to the lack of background knowledge about writing academically. Another prime reason is attributed to having problems in different linguistic elements even at this supposedly high proficiency level. The study concludes with suggesting a number of ways to address this issue.

State-of-the-Art Review Article

2005 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Setter ◽  
Jennifer Jenkins
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
First Language ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Political Issues ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
L1 And L2

This article is organised in five main sections. It begins by outlining the scope of pronunciation teaching and the role of pronunciation in our personal and social lives. The second section surveys the background to pronunciation teaching from its origins in the early twentieth century to the present day, and includes a discussion of pronunciation models and of the role of the first language (L1) in the acquisition of second language (L2) pronunciation. Then a third section explores recent research into a range of aspects involved in the process: the effects of L1 and L2 similarities and differences; the role of intelligibility, accent attitudes, identity and motivation; the part played by listening; and the place of pronunciation within discourse. This section concludes with a discussion of a number of controversies that have arisen from recent pronunciation research and of research into the potential for using computer-based technology in pronunciation teaching. The fourth section explores a range of socio-political issues that affect pronunciation teaching when the L2 is learnt as an international rather than a foreign language, and the fifth section moves on to consider the implications of all this for teaching.

scholarly journals Code Switching In EFL Students’ Proposal Seminar Presentation

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 68-76
Author(s):  
Al Inayah Alfathia Amamah ◽  
Suleman Bouti ◽  
Fahria Malabar
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
First Language ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Research Proposal ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Real ◽  
Interview Technique ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Speech Content

In academic situations, especially in proposal seminar presentations, code switching is generally used by the presenter and the audience also by all elements in the presentation for the different activities and different purposes. It gives a chance to them to communicate with each other by using their first language and foreign language. This qualitative study aims to explain the types of code-switching and the factors causing the students to use code-switching in their proposal seminar presentations. The subjects were four EFL students who were presenting their research proposal. An observation technique was used to retrieve the main data, which is the students’ proposal seminar presentation. Moreover, this study employed an interview technique to obtain the supporting data about factors affecting the students in utilizing code-switching. The theory about types and factors of code-switching was used in this research to analyze the data. The results find four types of code-switching. Those four types are Intra-sentential switching, inter-sentential switching, establishing continuity switches, and tag switching. The result also shows that several factors affect students using code-switching, such as the real lexical need, quoting somebody else, interjection or inserting sentence fillers or sentence connectors, being emphatetic about something clarifying the speech content for the interlocutor. Based on the finding, all types of code-switching are found in this research, and there are only six out of ten factors found in this research.

scholarly journals NEGATIVE TRANSFER OF INDONESIAN COLLOCATIONS INTO ENGLISH AND IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mashadi Said
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Negative Transfer ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
English Writing ◽  
Lexical Collocations ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Direct Teaching

One of the most challenging problems for EFL students is to be able to express themselves not just grammatically but also acceptably and naturally in English in appropriate contexts.  The ability to produce acceptable and natural expressions in English is closely related to the EFL students’ competence in collocation—which words go together in normal usage. The present study provides an empirical analysis on negative transfer made by Indonesian EFL students in lexical collocation and recommends practical ways to help students improve their competence in collocation.  Data for the study was collected from essays written by 40 EFL university students majoring in English in Indonesia whose native language is Indonesian. The students were asked to write a two- to three-page essay on an assigned topic. Of 445 lexical collocation errors found in the English writing, 321 (72%) were negative transfers of Indonesian lexical collocations into English. The findings suggest the necessity of direct teaching of collocations, the use of The Collins WordbanksOnline, and the need to design bilingual collocation dictionaries.<br />Keywords: Negative Transfer, Lexical Collocation, Indonesian Collocation, Acceptable Collocation<br /><br />

“Well, I think that my argument is…,” or modality in a learner corpus of English

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne Bartley ◽  
Encarnación Hidalgo-Tenorio
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Modal Verbs ◽  
Learner Corpus ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Spanish Universities ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Qualitative Analyses

Linguistic modality is the expression of the speaker’s subjectivity including possibility, probability, necessity, obligation, permission, prohibition, and desire. This paper analyses a learner English corpus collected at two Spanish universities, paying special attention to which linguistic devices (e.g., modal verbs, adjectives, adverbs or nouns) English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students make use of when providing for and against arguments in their assignments. Applying a corpus-based methodology not only enabled comparisons to be made with other native and non-native data but also facilitated both quantitative and qualitative analyses. The findings show remarkable similarities and differences, and leave several issues at stake: the relationship between the degree of assertiveness of a text and (1) the student’s gender, (2) their command of the Foreign Language (FL), and (3) their familiarity with the genre they are expected to write in.

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