Language Competence Research Articles

Orientation towards the vernacular and style-shifting as language behaviours in speech of first-generation Polish migrant communities speaking Norwegian in Norway.

This study describes the patterns of dialect use among L3 Norwegian speakers born in Poland who have migrated to Norway. We collected the data in the form of sociolinguistic interviews recorded in Tromsø and Oslo, two different dialect regions, in order to examine potential differences in acquisition of two dissimilar dialects in Norwegian by L3 speakers. The analyses focus on dialectal and accentual variation in their speech, and whether frequency of dialect use is dependent on selected sociocultural factors. We have found that some speakers, especially those scoring high for overall dialect use, also display style-shifting, i.e. they use dialect features from the region more frequently in unscripted speech as opposed to in more formal speech styles elicited through reading tasks or the wordlist reading tasks. This demonstrates that language learners are capable of developing sensitivity towards the vernacular form in an L3. Moreover, it shows that first-generation migrant communities in fact may be capable of developing their L2/L3/L4 language competencies in a similar way to L1 speakers, including at the level of sociolinguistic variation.

INSTAGRAM IN TEACHING ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC ACADEMIC PURPOSES

The purpose of the study is to explore the potential of integrating Instagram in university-level English for Specific Academic Purposes (ESAP) courses, focusing on Business English for Advanced Students. Using a mixed-methods approach, it combines qualitative data from observing the completion of Instagram-based assignments and subsequent semi-structured group interviews with quantitative data from a five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed to the students who participated in the study. The research sample consisted of twenty-six undergraduate students from the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Economics in Bratislava, Slovakia, who completed four Instagram-based tasks related to communication, international marketing, promoting Slovakia, and success, which were linked to topics covered in the course during the winter semester of the academic year 2020/2021. The findings show that Instagram can be used effectively in ESAP courses mainly due to its popularity, visual appeal of posts, and, most importantly, as a platform that serves as a powerful marketing tool. The results indicate that the implementation of Instagram activities was positively perceived by most students, with high levels of agreement regarding the relevance, engagement, and creativity of the tasks. The study highlights the potential benefits of using Instagram in ESAP, providing insights into effective language learning through authentic, business-related tasks. Ultimately, integrating Instagram into ESAP can enable students to develop the language skills and competencies needed in real business contexts.

Language Barriers Impact on Trade Disputes: Evidence from the WTO Trade Disputes Cases

This study examines the impact of language barriers on trade disputes using a panel data set of 129 countries and 565 trade dispute cases from the World Trade Organization (WTO) spanning the years 1995 to 2018. The language barrier index is employed as a metric to assess the extent of language barriers between trade nations, while the panel probit model is utilized for conducting the empirical analysis. The empirical evidence indicates that language barriers exert a substantial and favorable impact on trade disputes. Language obstacles in trading countries have been found to heighten the probability of trade disputes, indicating that language barriers contribute to increase trade costs and hamper bilateral trade relations. Moreover, the Armington model is employed to elucidate the theoretical aspects of the impact of language barriers on trade disputes, with trade costs serving as the mediating factor. The findings of the study also validated the notion that linguistic barriers contribute to an elevated likelihood of trade disputes. This research study presents empirical findings regarding the influence of linguistic barriers on trade disputes. Additional investigation can be undertaken to examine the impact of language competency on trade disputes, given the substantial role that language plays in the realm of international trade.

Face validity and washback effects of the shortened PTE Academic: insights from teachers in Mainland China

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), a high-stakes English language proficiency test, underwent substantial revisions in 2021. The test duration was reduced from 3 h to 2 h by reducing specific task numbers and sections. This study investigates the impact of these changes on teachers’ perceptions and teaching practices, areas previously underexplored in language assessment literature. It focuses on the implications of the test’s modifications, examining the face validity and washback effects through the lens of teachers in mainland China. Semi-structured interviews with four experienced PTE Academic test trainers, who were familiar with both the original and revised test formats, reveals that the revised PTE Academic is perceived to maintain strong face validity, particularly noted in its academic authenticity, balanced skill structure, and perceived result accuracy. Additionally, most teachers perceived an increase in test difficulty. A mixed washback effect was observed: while improvements in students’ language competence—a positive outcome—were noted, teachers also reported a continued reliance on teaching test-oriented strategies for higher-scoring tasks, indicating negative washback. This study highlights the significant implications of reducing PTE Academic’s duration and offers targeted recommendations for its future improvement. These suggestions aim to enhance students’ academic language skills, thereby better aligning PTE Academic with the practical language abilities required in university settings.

Strategies for developing hard skills in higher education students through innovative pedagogical technologies in realistic professional environments

Introduction: the global emphasis on developing hard skills, essential for professional competence in digital optimization, has led to a focus on practical skills like foreign language proficiency, programming, and data analysis. These skills, acquired through education or experience, are crucial across various professions, especially in the digital era, where innovative pedagogical methods are key.Objectives: this study aims to analyze the impact of innovative pedagogical technologies on developing hard skills, particularly foreign language competence, in higher education students, simulating real-world professional environments.Methods: the study employs a range of general scientific methods, including analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, formalization, and generalization. These methods help identify and describe the development of hard skills and digital competence, focusing on innovative pedagogical strategies.Results: the findings highlight a structural-functional model for professional training in the digital labor market, emphasizing interdisciplinary integration, professional training alignment with market needs, and the use of innovative technologies. Key skills identified include financial management, software development, and foreign language proficiency, essential for making informed managerial decisions in a globalized world.Conclusions: the integration of innovative pedagogical methods, such as incidental learning and argumentation, enhances the development of hard skills, particularly English language competence. The study underscores the importance of creating learning environments that closely mirror professional conditions, thereby improving the quality of education and preparing students for the demands of the modern labor market. Future research should focus on refining digital tools and methodologies to further enhance language skills and overall hard skill development

Situational Teaching of Emergency Language Curriculum Constructs

In the situation of sudden disasters, linguistic communication became a key part of disaster research. Both China and the West emphasized the importance of disaster education, and the development of emergency language courses in universities has become an important concern in the above context. This study constructs an emergency language course based on the situational teaching theory to improve the emergency language competence of Chinese university students. Firstly, the curriculum was designed using the situational teaching method, based on which the 4 units of the emergency situation design were used to prepare the draft of the curriculum. Then the content validity of the curriculum was reviewed by experts, finally form the capability indicators of emergency language talent and the simulation-oriented emergency language curriculum.

Maharah Qira’ah Assessment Innovation with Receptive Active Language Competency Test

Maharah Qira’ah Assessment Innovation with Receptive Active Language Competency Test

Implementation of Metacognitive Reading Strategies to Improve English Reading Ability: A Systematic Review

Proficiency in English reading is crucial for overall language competency, as learning relies heavily on written materials. In recent years, experts and scholars have started to regard learning and employing metacognitive reading strategies as an important method for improving English reading comprehension. This systematic review investigated the application of metacognitive reading strategies for enhancing English language reading comprehension ability. This analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. By using certain search keywords, a total of 20 articles concerning the implementation of metacognitive reading strategies for improving English reading comprehension ability were identified from databases that included Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, and the Education Resources Information Center. The synthesis of findings indicate a prevalent use of the Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory and its revised editions, along with a notable emphasis on problem-solving strategies. Moreover, this systematic review highlights the positive effect of metacognitive reading strategies for improving English language reading comprehension ability. Additionally, the study offers pedagogical recommendations for teachers teaching English as a foreign or second language.

Conversation through Dramatic Games

The need for conversing is always present in the teaching-learning process of EFL. Teachers must be able to help students develop their conversational competence in the target language. This dramatic game means that the participants can improvise dialogues to fit an already described situation and perform it. The teacher should design three stages: play reading, paraphrasing the play, and performing the dramatic game. To simulate real-life situations, students will begin to think in English without noticing it. They cross the bridge and speak easily. It is the teacher who will experiment, try new methods, and be fearless about having fun.

Academic integrity and the use of ChatGPT by EFL pre-service teachers

Academic integrity has been at the centre of the discussion of the adoption of Chat GPT by academics in their research. This study explored how academic integrity mitigates the desire to use ChatGPT in academic tasks by EFL Pre-service teachers, in consideration of the time factor, perceived peer influence, academic self-effectiveness, and self-esteem. The study utilized web-based questionnaires to elicit data from 300 EFL Pre-service teachers across educational fields drawn from different schools across the world. Analysis was conducted using relevant statistical measures to test the projected four hypotheses. The findings provide evidence in support of Hypothesis 1, with a statistically significant path coefficient (β) of 0.442, a t-value of 3.728, and a p-value of 0.000. The hypothesis acceptance implies that when academic integrity improves, the impact of the time-saving aspect of the use of ChatGPT Across educational fields study decreases. This suggests that EFL Pre-service teachers who have a firm dedication to academic honesty are less influenced by the tempting appeal of ChatGPT’s time-saving features, highlighting the ethical factors that influence their decision-making. The data also provide support for Hypothesis 2, indicating a substantial inverse relationship with a path coefficient (β) of 0.369, a t-value of 5.629, and a p-value of 0.001. These findings indicate that stronger adherence to academic integrity is linked to a diminished effect of colleagues on the choice to use ChatGPT in Academic tasks. The results suggest that a firm dedication to academic honesty serves as a protective barrier against exogenous pressures or influences from colleagues when it comes to embracing cutting-edge technology. However, in general, these findings revealed there was a negative association between academically related factors (e.g., time factor, sense of peer pressure, language study self-confidence, and academic language competence), as well as an attitude toward adoption of ChatGPT and commitment towards academic integrity.

Thinking about numbers in different tongues: An overview of the influences of multilingualism on numerical and mathematical competencies.

In an increasingly multilingual and multicultural world, understanding the interactions between language and mathematics is critical, especially when individuals must acquire and exercise their mathematical competencies in multiple languages. Indeed, research shows that, overall, L2 language learners are at an academic disadvantage compared to their L1 peers. The current article briefly overviews how multilingualism influences basic and advanced mathematical skills and interacts with mathematical learning difficulties. We first outline the traditional cognitive models of number learning and language processing. We then discuss the particularities of multilingualism and how it impacts numerical skills such as counting and building lexical-semantic associations, transcoding and arithmetic, mathematical word problems and mathematical performance tests, and dyscalculia diagnosis. We end this review by outlining challenges, recommendations, and solutions for multilingual educational settings. The article is intended as a guide for numerical cognition researchers who work with diverse populations and for mathematics educators and educational policy-makers facing the challenges of a multilingual classroom.

Integrating Religious Moderation Into English Learning Materials: A Narration of Two Teachers

This study narrates the journey of integrating religious moderation into English learning materials through the lens of narrative inquiry. By focusing on the experiences of two English teachers, the research explores the challenges and successes encountered during the incorporation of religiously moderate perspectives into their curriculum. Through detailed interviews, the teachers' narratives reveal their motivations, strategies, and the pedagogical implications of blending religious moderation with language instruction. The findings underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity and the potential for such integration to enhance students' holistic understanding of language and intercultural competence. This narrative inquiry not only contributes to the field of English for Specific Purposes learning material but also offers valuable insights for educators seeking to harmonize religious values with academic objectives.

Eye Movements and Autonomic Regulation of Cognitive Activity during Reading in Adolescence. Part I. Functional “Cost” of Cognitive Activity when Reading Text from the Screen in Adolescence

Reading from the screen of an electronic device (ED) is a significant cognitive activity for adolescences, and its complexity affects visceral functions. We conducted an analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) and eye movements (EM) in adolescents while they were reading complex text on an ED screen. The aim was to assess the functional state characteristics under these conditions and reveal the intensity (“cost”) associated with this activity The study involved 22 adolescences with an average age of 15 years (М = 15.46, SD = 0.44). Reading text from an ED screen in adolescents was associated with a high functional “cost,” characterized by a decrease in overall HRV, an increase in the tension index and heart rate. These changes indicate the functional tension of regulatory systems during cognitive activity. The study revealed varying levels of parafoveal processing involvement. For the majority of adolescents (86.4%), word-by-word reading and a low percentage of regressions (12.0%) were observed, suggesting developed average reading skill. However, a qualitative analysis of individual EM tracks indicated varying level of reading skill development among adolescents, possibly due to a limited vocabulary and a lack of understanding of syntax. Additionally, 40.9% of adolescents demonstrated poor text comprehension. Our results showed that reading remains a complex cognitive task for adolescents, despite the expectation that their reading skills should be well-developed and automated by this age. Individual analysis of HRV and EM in adolescents with varying levels of text comprehension during reading demonstrated different strategies of adaptive behavior and autonomic reactions when performing a complex cognitive task. The functional “cost” of information processing when reading text from the ED screen results from a combination of age-related and individual adaptation characteristics, language competence and the psycholinguistic complexity of the text.

Influence of Individualised Teaching Methods on Improving the Professional Flexibility of Future Primary School Teachers

The study aims to determine the effectiveness of individualised teaching methods for developing future primary school teachers' professional flexibility. The authors have developed individualised learning mechanisms that provide for the development of language competence, as well as mathematical, interdisciplinary and innovative competence. It has been determined that the most significant impact on the development of professional flexibility, in the opinion of teachers and students, was made by language and interdisciplinary competence, which contributed to the clarity of their thoughts. The study results showed the achievement of a high level of information assimilation by future teachers after training (0.74). It was found that individualised learning mechanisms contributed to the formation of developmental individualisation (23%) and creative thinking (22%) in the first place. The work's practical significance is finding effective mechanisms for forming professional flexibility for future primary school teachers.

The analysis of scholars’ English language needs

The English language has become widespread as the lingua franca of higher education. It is also a key means of university internationalizing, academic and student mobility, and for individual researchers, a tool to establish their scholarly reputation. The study aims to determine faculty English language needs such as: a) reasons for knowing English, b) the level of L2 skills according to CEFR, and c) language competences for the future. The results show that participants need to know English to communicate effectively in professional contexts, to publish but also read journals, and to write reviews. The overall level of the English language skills varies between B1 and B2, and speaking and writing are considered important competences. The study confirms the need to enhance the faculty’s productive skills to meet high demands for publications in foreign journals and enable international scientific collaboration, and academic mobility, all of which require high language proficiency.

English as a language of preference in mathematics learning: perspectives from high school learners in township contexts

The exploration of language preference among mathematics learners in multilingual contexts remains a significant area of study. The aim of this study is to identify the most effective linguistic tools that contribute to the academic achievement of secondary school learners in mathematics. This study specifically examines English as a preferred language for mathematics instruction among high school learners in a Soshanguve community in the Tshwane West District of South Africa. It investigates the attitudes of mathematics learners towards the use of English as the medium of instruction and the reasons for their preference for learning mathematics in English. The study uses a non-experimental quantitative descriptive survey with a sample of 101 high school mathematics learners. Data was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire conducted on paper. The primary data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that English is the preferred language for learning mathematics. The study also demonstrates that the inclination towards the English language among high school learners is driven by factors such as pedagogical, social, linguistic competence, and economic considerations. The research findings suggest that the use of English as the medium of instruction is crucial for the acquisition and achievement of mathematics skills. This is because learners' indigenous African languages are inadequate as a medium of instruction in mathe­matics classroom conversations among high school learners. Therefore, it is recommended that the Department of Basic Education and mathematics educators should enhance learners' English language competence by implementing intense and enriched language programmes.

Arabic Language Learning in the Context of Non-Religious Schools: Analysis of Learning Urgency and Student Learning Interest

The purpose of this study was to explore the urgency of learning Arabic, identify factors influencing students' learning interest in non-religious schools, and analyze the relationship between learning urgency and student learning interest. Arabic has particular urgency in the context of Islam, but in this era of globalization, understanding Arabic provides a significant advantage in understanding the rich history, literature, and culture of Arabia. The research method used is a qualitative research method with a descriptive-analysis approach. The results showed that factors such as motivation, learning environment, and effective teaching influenced students' interest in Arabic. In addition, the urgency of learning Arabic is also positively related to students' interest in learning. Therefore, The urgency of learning Arabic is also positively related to students' interest in learning. Therefore, educators need to design more effective learning strategies to achieve the goals of religious education and Arabic language competence in non-religious school environments

An Assessment of Perceived Fluency German as a Foreign Language: Case Study

Speech fluency is an important aspect of foreign language competence that can not only be measured objectively but is also perceived subjectively by listeners. The term perceived fluency therefore refers to the subjective perception of the speaker's language competence. This includes a situationally appropriate speech rate and fluent speech without delays. The main goal of this article is the assessment and analysis of the perceived fluency of Croatian students of German studies in the context of a one-semester seminar. Speech fluency in German as a foreign language was assessed using assessment forms. The evaluation is the subjective assessment of an L1 speaker from Germany who was a participant in the same seminar. The evaluation criteria include speech rate, intonation, intelligibility, and delays of various kinds. This study particularly highlighted which components influence perceived fluency. Speech rate, which is very close to that of a native speaker, has a particularly positive impact on perceived fluency. While it is not a measurable assessment of fluency, it still provides insightful results. These could, for example, serve as a basis for developing targeted training tasks to improve the identified weak points.

Portraying the Learning Needs of English Language in Non-English Department Students

The existence of English language courses plays an important role in efforts to welcome industry 4.0. This is caused by the use of English which dominates knowledge and science and even today's lifestyle. Thus, in the implementation of teaching, English has been taught from low level education to high level education. Learning English at the college level non-English majors have different needs than English majors. Primary School Teacher Education (PGSD) is present as one of the non-English majors and has a curriculum that requires students to master English, especially for research needs, articles, teaching materials and books and other sources written in English. This is because education departments have already developed in countries that use English and Latin as their national languages. It can be emphasized that some of the learning materials and resources written in books, articles and journals related to the field of PGSD are written in English and Latin. So that through needs analysis, lecturers and students can find out which aspects of language skills and competencies must be mastered to support the scientific field they are pursuing. Through the results of the analysis, lecturers can also determine what teaching methods, media and materials are in accordance with the learning objectives that have been formulated.

Psychological and pedagogical conditions for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach

Importance. Proficiency in a professional foreign language at the present stage is one of the key requirements determining competitiveness in the labor market. The formation of professional foreign-language communicative competence of medical specialists gives them access to specialized research and journals, since most of them are published exclusively in English. However, in practice, when receiving medical education in residency, the main attention is paid to the study of natural sciences, while learning a foreign language is of secondary importance. Using an integrated approach to learning, it becomes possible to organize a more effective educational process through a comprehensive study of a subject discipline and a foreign language in a single educational space. The purpose of this work is to identify the psychological and pedagogical conditions of training residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach.Research Methods. The study was conducted using theoretical and empirical methods that allow to study and analyze scientific and methodological literature on the organization of foreign language teaching based on an integrated subject-language approach. The analysis of the literature revealed certain patterns that actualize the need to comply with a number of psychological and pedagogical conditions when teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach. Based on the available research, the external and internal factors underlying the psychological and pedagogical conditions aimed at optimizing the educational process were summarized.Results and Discussion. In the course of the conducted research, the following psychological and pedagogical conditions for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach were identified: 1) motivation of residents to study professional English; 2) possession of professional foreign language competence by residents at the Advanced Mid level on the ACTFL scale; 3) formation of an integrated course of professional foreign language communicative competence and competence in the field of professional communication by the teacher; 4) the methodological dominant in the educational process are professionally oriented cases.Conclusion. The process of teaching residents of foreign language professional communication is not an axiomatic phenomenon, therefore it is directly dependent on a number of psychological and pedagogical conditions. The identified psychological and pedagogical conditions are of a recommendatory nature and act as a starting point for teaching residents of foreign language professional communication based on an integrated approach. The results of the study can be used in the methodology of teaching foreign languages to medical students and residents.