Foreign Language Skills Research Articles

Organizing Integrated Сlasses in a Foreign Language

The article discusses the implementation of exercises adopted from acting, screenwriting, poetry, music, and drawing teaching to develop various foreign language skills. Taking into consideration the beneficial impact of poly-artistic approach to organizing the education process, the author attempts to apply tasks and techniques for professional creators training to ensure better learning outcomes, especially in terms of improvised speaking and writing. The integration of the arts in liason with the whole language approach creates an adequate basis for reaching the highest stage of a foreign language study – independent speaking improvisation for successful communication in any situation. The polyphony of images is a conducive atmosphere for forming the secondary linguistic identity of any learner. The hierarchy of the polyartistic experience by B.P. Jusov served the foundation for organizing a set of foreign language classes. The results have shown that shifting from the authoritative instruction in the EFL classroom to the polyphonic co-creation facilitates linguistic abilities of beginners and associative thinking of advanced learners regardless of their majors.

Persepsi Guru terhadap Model Pembelajaran Sinektik untuk Mengembangkan Keterampilan Menulis Bahasa Asing

The synectic learning model can enhance students' creativity, especially in writing skills, involving the use of analogies, metaphors, and creative thinking techniques such as brainstorming. Researchers tried to examine teachers' perceptions of synectic learning for writing skills in foreign languages through open interviews. The interview results and discussions will be presented in this article.

Challenges faced by English education in ethical minority areas under the background of Bilingual Education Policy for ethical minority students: Taking Yunnan Province as an example

With the promulgation of the national bilingual education policy, the vast majority of ethnic minorities have learned to master both Mandarin Chinese and ethnic minority languages, providing them with more opportunities for their development, but it does not emphasize their foreign language skills to go out into the world. Therefore, the research theme of this paper is the challenges of English language education in ethnic minority areas in the context of bilingual education, taking Yunnan Province as an example. The study finds that there are three main challenges facing English language education for ethnic minorities. They are language teaching issues in ethical minority areas, English teacher issues in ethical minority areas, and people’s attitudes toward English learning in ethical minority areas. Firstly, there are a lot of problems with English teachers, such as the impact of minority languages on Han English teachers is big, insufficient teacher resources, low professional quality, and high turnover. Then, the students learn English with language transfer and are not interested in it. Finally, schools, teachers, parents, and students do not value English education enough.

Inquiry-Based Learning and Technology-Enhanced Formative Assessment in Flipped EFL Writing Instruction: Student Performance and Perceptions

Previous studies have shown that inquiry-based learning (IBL) and flipped learning effectively promote student engagement and learning outcomes in language classrooms. Meanwhile, technology-enhanced formative assessment (TEFA) with well-designed instructional strategies can provide engaging learning opportunities for learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). However, research on combining these three teaching approaches to enhance foreign language skills is scarce. Specifically, this study integrated IBL and TEFA in flipped EFL writing instruction to address the research gap. A mixed-method design was employed to explore 48 students’ writing performance and their perceptions of these creative teaching strategies. The results of the quantitative analysis indicate that combining IBL and TEFA increased students’ writing quality, as shown by the significant difference between their pretest and posttest writing scores. In addition, qualitative analysis of their written reflections indicated that they appreciated the dynamic and interactive learning atmosphere, displayed positive attitudes, and perceived the value of IBL and TEFA. The students also provided insights regarding the difficulties they experienced with this teaching method. The implications concerning the impact of IBL and TEFA in teaching flipped EFL writing are discussed, highlighting future suggestions for EFL educators.

Актуальные компоненты цели иноязычной подготовки специалистов в образовательных организациях высшего образования МВД России: традиционные и современные аспекты

Introduction. In today’s complex social and political environment the objectives of foreign-language training need to be rethought in order to solve current educational problems. The conducted analysis of the traditional components of the goal of foreign language training in higher education institutions of non-linguistic universities allowed to identify deficiencies in theory and practice. The main traditional vectors of research in the field of improvement of foreign language training have been established: communicative aspect; integration of foreign language and vocational education; familiarization with the culture of the countries of the studied language. Methods. The study used theoretical methods: analysis, synthesis, abstraction, classification, analogy, included observation. Results. Educational potential of the discipline «Foreign language», in addition to solving traditional problems of formation and development of foreign language and communicative skills, consists of the possibility of its use for the development of universal and professional competencies, as well as personal development in professional activities. The foreignlanguage training of future migration officers, which is in its formative period, is no exception. The author substantiates a new, corresponding to modern realities, goal and objectives of foreign language training as a part of the future migration officers training for professional activity. In order to implement the expanded objective of foreign language training in this way, a revision of its methodological basis is necessary. The article justifies efficient application of humanitariananthropological, hermeneutic and competently-oriented methodological approaches.

Evaluating the cross-cultural competence instrument for healthcare professionals (CCCHP) among nurses in Okinawa, Japan

BackgroundTo provide better quality healthcare services to patients with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, the cross-cultural competence of medical professionals is important. However, assessing and improving the cross-cultural competence of healthcare professionals is difficult in Japan, as there is no standardized scale to measure the competence. This study’s purpose was to translate the Cross-Cultural Competence instrument for Healthcare Professionals (CCCHP), which was developed and used in Europe, and to examine its reliability and validity among Japanese nurses.MethodsDuring June and July 2021, nursing staff were invited to take web- and paper-based surveys in Okinawa Japan. The CCCHP (five-factor model with 27 items across motivation, attitude, skills, emotion, and knowledge) was translated using a combination translation method, and a five-point Likert scale was used for responses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and known-group method were used to examine structural validity, while Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test reliability.ResultsA total of 294 responses were analyzed; 77.2% had more than five years of experience. Since the fit index indicated that the five-factor model was not a good fit, it was modified to a four-factor model (J-CCCHP24) by moving three variables, removing the knowledge factor, and using the error covariance of the variables. The fit index after the modification was improved to comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.91, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.05, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.06, and Cronbach’s alpha was 0.85. The mean scores of J-CCCHP24 were significantly higher in the group with a history of overseas travel, higher foreign language skill, training in intercultural care, experience of foreign patient care, and intercultural interactions outside the workplace than in the group without these characteristics.ConclusionThis study confirmed the validity and reliability of the modified Japanese version of the CCCHP (four-factor model with 24 items). The results suggest that the exposure to different cultures on a personal level may help improve nurses' cross-cultural competence. Further refinement of this scale for practical use would encourage the implementation of necessary countermeasures to improve the cross-cultural competence of Japanese healthcare professionals.

HIERARCHY OF MODERN THEORIES, METHODS AND APPROACHES TO TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES

In today’s competence-based paradigm of language education, the priority direction is the development and formation of students’ not only productive foreign language speech skills and language skills that contribute to the creation of written and oral texts of various genres, but also the skills of interaction and mediation in the global digital space. It is possible to develop the above-mentioned skills using effective approaches, methods, technologies. Modern methodological literature presents an extremely wide variety of methodological models, pedagogical theories, specific technologies and approaches to teaching foreign languages. This article is devoted to the development of a general theoretical basis for the hierarchy of existing methods, approaches, methods of teaching foreign languages within the framework of a competent-based, communicatively oriented paradigm of modern education. The proposed hierarchy includes 4 levels, where the theoretical foundation of education is based on a certain psychological and pedagogical theory; the essence of learning activity corresponds to the general theoretical method, the principles of learning - to private methods, the learning process - to a system of tasks. Each level is responsible for a certain range of “didactic potential”. The essence of the lower level is the ways of implementing knowledge, and the upper one is the management of information transfer processes in the activity-based model of learning. This system is very important, because the hierarchically organized structure of methods allows instructors to understand how particular methods contribute to the achievement of the goals of teaching foreign languages. The article analyzes the psychological and pedagogical theories valid for the modern system of education - cognitivism, constructivism and connectivism. The typological characteristics are given for the classification of teaching methods, the main types of problem-oriented tasks are identified for the development of students’ foreign language skills.

Review of the Effects of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety on Learners' Development of a Second Language Acquisition

Adult and teenage second language learners are very interested in foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA). In language classes all across the world, foreign language anxiety (FLA) is a significant issue. It is especially directly tied to expressive abilities in a second language. There are many subjective and objective factors that affect foreign language performance. Anxiety in FLA is one of the emotional elements, and it is the key factor among the factors impacting students' second language learning. Based on previous research and scholarly papers, this study conducts a literature review to organise the pertinent material on anxiety in the foreign language classroom (FLC), including its definition, causes, and effects on students' learning and performance. Anxiety in the classroom when learning a foreign language typically results from oral activities and has a detrimental impact on language abilities including listening, reading, and writing. Moderate anxiety has been shown to occasionally boost positive learning motivation, but excessive worry is still harmful to learning. Therefore, teachers need to adopt appropriate strategies in dealing with FLCA. The key to lowering anxiety in the FLA is creating a friendly and encouraging classroom atmosphere and developing positive teacher-student connections. Overall, this paper endeavors to provide educators with insights into anxiety in the FLC and how to cope with this affective factor in their educational practices to promote better student learning and acquisition of foreign language skills. This topic has important social and educational implications on a global scale and deserves further research and study.

Türkiye’s Educational Journey: Evaluating the Skills of Mathematics, Science, Reading, and Foreign Language in The Light of International Competition

Education has always been significant for sustainable development all around the world. However, it is not possible to achieve development without considering the international standards in this globalized world. Countries can be successful only if they interact with other societies without losing their cultural identities. The European Union is an organisation that fosters cooperation and harmony among countries for development. In this context, it has identified four main areas and sixteen indicators for these areas in order to improve the quality of education. Being one of the candidate countries, Türkiye has declared will to harmonize with the educational policies suggested by the European Union. Therefore, the question of how compatible and competitive Türkiye’s education system has become with international standards remains on the agenda in today’s world of increasing international competition in every area. In this line, this study aims at analysing the current situation of Turkish education system according to four key indicators, which are mathematics, science, reading skills and foreign language. For this purpose, the study employs the method of document analysis. Therefore, we analysed PISA 2022 report and EF EPI (EF English Proficiency Index) 2023 report in this line. The study findings show that Türkiye ranks 39th with an average score of 453 in mathematics, 34th with an average score of 476 in science, and 36th with an average score of 456 in reading skills among 81 countries in PISA 2022. Also, Türkiye ranks 66th among 113 countries with an EF EPI score of 493 in English.

하향식 접근법을 통한 다독의 통합적 전략 연구

The purpose of this study is to investigate the integrative strategy with a focus on a top-down approach to extensive reading and review the research, suggesting its pedagogic implications for the classroom. Based on research data on extensive reading, the integration strategy that EFL learners use to read is discussed as to whether it effectively promotes the cognitive aspect of reading abilities and learner autonomy in EFL learners. In addition, this study analyzes a top-down approach and bottom-up approach for voluntary extensive reading and suggests significant insights for foreign language reading instruction. In summary, the top-down approach with a focus on interactive extensive reading shows that the learner-centered extensive reading emphasizes meaning-centered comprehension, together with a positive attitude and enjoyment of reading. By promoting extensive reading, educators aim to create an environment where learners can naturally develop their foreign language skills through exposure to authentic texts.

Bring the Dual Focus on both Language and Content into ESP Courses through Teacher Collaboration

In China, the evolution from traditional “College English” courses to English for Specific Purpose (ESP) reflects the changing demands for foreign language skills in specialized industries. This transition poses challenges for teachers due to limited specialized knowledge. This study explores the integration of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) into ESP courses through collaboration between language and content-area teachers. Drawing on a literature review and qualitative research at West Yunnan University of Applied Science, the study examines the challenges traditional English General Purpose (EGP) teachers face in ESP classrooms and their willingness to collaborate with content-area teachers. Results reveal teachers’ struggles with specialized knowledge and materials selection, alongside their openness to collaboration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fostering cooperation, establishing teaching communities, and utilizing online platforms for enhanced student learning outcomes. This research contributes to the advancement of ESP teaching methodologies by advocating for collaborative approaches that integrate language and content effectively.

The Multifaceted Impact of Erasmus Programme on the School-to-Work Transition: A Matching Sensitivity Analysis

This study investigates the effects of studying abroad through the Erasmus Programme (EP), a European Union programme launched primarily to foster international mobility and cultural exchange of University students, on the school-to-work transition of university graduates. Since a satisfactory transition does not only mean finding a job, but also concerns the wage level and the quality of work, such as stability, working hours and risk of overeducation, we consider all these aspects in order to draw a comprehensive picture of the effect of the EP. We exploit a composite dataset, built on administrative and survey data, covering all graduates from the largest Italian university from 2011 to 2015, and replicate the analysis on a national sample of graduates to verify whether the results can be extended nationwide. Estimates are provided, based on a PSM procedure, of the effects of the EP on the probability of employment, including abroad, on the quality of jobs and on wage levels at different points in time after graduation. We also investigate whether less advantaged students benefit from the Erasmus experience, and provide insights about the role of the foreign languages skills. The results show that the participation in the EP improves employment prospects at least in the short term, as well as the quality of job, and has a positive long term effect on the participants' ability to find a job abroad. The wages of participants are persistently higher than those of non-participants. Less advantaged groups also benefit from the Erasmus experience.

Improving English language skills for human resources at CV. Langgeng Jaya, Jombang

Globalization necessitates the world of work to have proficient Human Resources (HR), particularly in foreign language skills. English, being an internationally utilized foreign language, serves as an additional advantage in the professional domain. This activity aims to ensure that HR at CV. Langgeng Jaya, Jombang, possesses basic English skills, especially in the vocabulary related to the transportation industry. The method employed for this activity includes observation, socialization, drilling, practice, and question-and-answer sessions (interviews) with HR. The results of this activity indicate an enhancement in the basic knowledge of English related to the transportation sector among HR at CV. Langgeng Jaya, Jombang. The percentage reveals that 82% of human resources now comprehend basic English, compared to the initial 40% from a total of 50 people. It can be concluded that there has been an improvement in HR skills for engaging in conversations using basic English.

Penggunaan Aplikasi Duolingo Dalam Meningkatkan Literasi Berbantuan Aplikasi Capcut

This program aims to see the use of the Duolingo application in increasing literacy with the help of the Capcut application. The implementation of PkM at SMA 37 PGRI BATANGKUIS uses a digital literacy approach method through the Duolinggo application assisted by the CapCut application. Where the implementation of PkM aims to overcome the problem of insufficient literacy in order to increase students' literacy in understanding foreign language vocabulary (English). The implementation method that we have developed involves active collaboration between the PkM team and the school, especially the students of SMA 37 PGRI Batangkuis. From the results of this PkM implementation, it can be concluded that the community service program which utilizes the Duolingo and CapCut applications for SMA 37 PGRI BATANGKUIS students has had a positive impact, including: Community service program which utilizes the Duolingo and CapCut applications for students of SMA 37 PGRI BATANGKUIS managed to increase their literacy significantly. Pre-test and post-test data show consistent improvements in students' reading, writing and speaking skills after participating in this program. The integration of the Duolingo application effectively enriches students' foreign language skills, while the use of CapCut provides an additional dimension in the development of students' multimedia skills.

Pembinaan kepada Para Tentor Asrama Bahasa Ponpes Sunan Drajat tentang Pengaplikasian Metode Pair Work untuk Meningkatkan Keaktifan Speaking Para Santri

Sunan Drajat Islamic Boarding School is one of the famous Islamic boarding schools located in Lamongan district. As an Islamic boarding school that has thousands of students, Pondok Pesantren Sunan Drajat continues to strive to improve the quality of the students. Various activities are carried out to produce quality and competitive Islamic boarding school graduates. One of the superior programs at the Sunan Drajat Islamic Boarding School is the provision of an English language dormitory to support students in improving their foreign language skills. In the process of implementing English language learning activities for students, tutors often face various problems. One of the problems that often occurs is that students often appear unenthusiastic and less active in practicing speaking during the classroom learning process. This causes confusion among tutors about what methods are effective to apply in order to make all students in the class more active to speak English. With the aim of providing a reference to the tutors regarding a method that can be applied to encourage students to actively speak in class as a form of problem solving, coaching was held for the tutors regarding the application of teaching methods whose effectiveness has been proven for speaking skill in many previous studies, namely "Pair Work" method. This coaching activity is carried out by providing detailed explanations regarding the systematic application of the "Pair Work" method according to various topics that will be used by the tutors to teach the students. Direct control of the class was also carried out to find out the extent of changes that occurred after the tutors applied the "Pair Work" method in class.

Sour soup, Tom Yum, or Dongyin? What can a menu tell us about linguistic capital and multilingual development in contemporary Thailand?

ABSTRACT In Bangkok, Thailand, one of the top tourist destinations in the world, foreign language skills in the tourism industry are seen as a form of linguistic capital. Drawing upon the theoretical notion of ‘linguistic capital’, this study aims to investigate the patterns of language choice on Thai food menus and examine the relationship between the language used on a menu and the average price of four selected dishes in Thai restaurants. Fieldwork data were collected from 117 Thai restaurants located in three districts of Bangkok. The findings reveal that Thai-only menus are the most prevalent in Thai restaurants, while Thai-English bilingual menus and Thai-English-Chinese trilingual menus are less common. However, Thai restaurants with bilingual menus have higher average prices than those with monolingual Thai menus and trilingual menus. By triangulating linguistic ethnography with historical documents, this study argues that English-Thai bilingualism will continue to function as linguistic capital in contemporary Bangkok for the foreseeable future. In comparison to the English language, Chinese is merely an additional script on the menu without a superior economic perception. This demonstrates how linguistic values are shaped by glocalised commercial powers, which can help us understand the changing dynamics of linguistic hierarchy in multilingual Asia.

Pedagogical conditions for the formation of intercultural communication among students of humanitarian universities in the process of learning a foreign language

Relevance. The relevance of the study is expressed in the rapid scientific and technological progress and the growth of human communicative abilities, in the education of mutual understanding, dialogue of cultures, tolerance, and mutual respect for the interlocutor.Purpose. The aim of the work is to identify pedagogical conditions that would successfully model intercultural communication of students in the process of learning foreign languages.Methodology. For this purpose, the research was conducted, where 16 students of speciality �Chinese language� of the Institute of World Languages and International Relations of Kyrgyz State University named after I. Arabaev took part. The method of conversation and questionnaire of students revealed a qualitative positive growth in the development of intercultural communication.Results. Students demonstrated adequate communication, increased the level of knowledge and skills of foreign language, showed readiness to communicate professional communication during seminars and round tables at leading universities in China. The article considered the definition of intercultural communication and pedagogical conditions effective for the process of formation of intercultural communication of students of humanities universities. The study showed that it is necessary to work systematically on the formation of intercultural communication, students� participation in international programmes, foreign practices, which will increase the level of communication and practice in the study of foreign languages, intellectual and creative potential of students, show the revision of value orientations in the training of students.Conclusions. The practical significance of this article lies in the fact that the main provisions and the obtained conclusions can be used by researchers and teachers interested in the formation of intercultural communication, in the improvement and creation of new curricula and programmes, as well as the training of future specialists of foreign language teachers, in programmes of professional development of teachers.

Tracer Study and User Satisfaction for Alumni of the Sociology and Anthropology Education Study Program of the FISIP UNNES, Indonesia

Throughout its journey as an educational forum, the sociology and anthropology education study program of Universitas Negeri Semarang has graduated 18 batches. The existence of graduates and access to a job must be known by the institution where graduates take their education because the output provided by graduates is a very important indicator of knowing the quality of education organized by the Sociology and Anthropology Education Study Program. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the absorption of the work field of graduates of the Sociology and Anthropology Education Study Program in 2020-2022, (2) to determine the level of satisfaction of alum users with the performance of graduates of the Sociology and Anthropology Education Study Program in 2020-2022. This research was conducted using a quantitative descriptive approach and cluster sampling technique in sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the tracer study provide an overview of the 168 alums. 51% of graduates work in education, while as many as 49% work in the non-educational sector, such as entrepreneurs and the government sector. Users of graduates (stakeholders) assessed alum performance with good and very good criteria, especially in the categories of ethics, main competencies, proficiency in the use of information technology, communication, teamwork, and personal development. As many as 21% of the graduates chose to continue their studies. The input submitted was obtained from the existing findings: quality in doing social research, improving foreign language skills, and increasing learning related to religion. This input is given as input for efforts to improve the quality of the next Sociology and Anthropology Education Study Program graduates.

Using semantic paradigms as tools for foreign language teaching: theory and practice

Relevance. The relevance of the aforementioned study topic is motivated by the progressive activity of mankind in terms of the development of the information society, the growing demand for foreign language skills and the problem of learning a foreign language, as the large amount of information that needs to be assimilated certainly slows down this process. Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using semantic paradigms as tools for foreign language teaching; the existing developments that have been used to date and the results of their use. Methodology. The methodological approach is based on an analytical study of the use of semantic paradigms (examples are given of the use of semantic frequency dictionaries to increase the efficiency and speed of learning a foreign language) as tools for foreign language learning. Results. The main results that were obtained during the study can be considered: the evaluation of the effectiveness of the introduction of semantic paradigms and interaction with native speakers in the context of foreign language learning, the prospects of semantic paradigms in foreign language teaching among higher education representatives, along with the formed conclusions on how the use of semantic paradigms affects the quality of acquired knowledge. Conclusions. The results of this scientific research, as well as the conclusions formulated during its conduct, are of the greatest importance for people who pursue the goal of learning a foreign language for personal and professional purposes and for foreign language teachers who may use effective, non-traditional teaching methods in their practice. Furthermore, psychologists whose work centres on science and theory can broaden the scope of their studies on the example of this investigation.

Digital Translation Literacy of Undergraduate EFL Students

Abstract
 Literacy is the representation of language competency, individual skill in reading, writing, speaking, and managing. In digital era, literacy can be represented through the use of Google translation tool as one of the most popular tools among EFL students, either for their translation assignment or improve foreign language skills. This study aimed to explore undergraduate EFL student’s digital literacy by using Google translate as a tool to do translation. Qualitative descriptive method is used to present the data comprehensively. The data collection begin from problem identification, field observation, interview, and study the document related to their assignment. This research used purposive sampling which involved 31 EFL undergraduate students of Muhammadiyah Tangerang University. This research shows that EFL undergraduate students are able to operate and use Google translate effectively in assisting assignment. Google translate tool can eliminate the learning’s gap among different level of student’s English competency especially in vocabulary mastery and time management, the research also shows student’s digital literacy through Google translate not only for written translation, but also orally and can be used in diversity functions, such as translating the language in sentence form and learning how to pronounce English words.
 Keywords: Literacy, translation, Google translate, EFL students, digital literacy