English Forms Research Articles

Variation-Based Distance and Similarity Modeling

Abstract We present a corpus-based method — Variation-Based Distance and Similarity Modeling (VADIS) — that calculates distances between registers as a function of the extent to which the probabilistic conditioning of variation differs across registers. When language users have a choice between different ways of saying similar things (e.g., cut off the tops versus cut the tops off), what is the extent to which these choices are regulated differently in different registers? In this spirit, we re-analyze pre-existing datasets that cover the genitive, dative, and particle placement alternations in the grammar of English. These datasets cover five broad register categories: spoken informal English, spoken formal English, written informal English, written formal English, and online/web-based English. Analysis shows that (a) the registers under analysis are relatively but not entirely homogeneous in terms of the probabilistic grammars conditioning grammatical choices, and (b) more often than not we see a split between spoken and written registers.

Foreign language vocabulary development: media–driven learning in the informal context

This study explored the impact of informal learning on the acquisition of English idioms, operating under the assumption that idioms’ relatedness to lexicon makes the acquisition of idioms less associated with formal English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching, which tends to primarily focus on teaching grammar. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of informal learning on the acquisition of English idioms in view of everyday exposure to English through various media. The study was conducted on the students of preschool and teacher education studies (N=88; University of Zadar), and it incorporated a brief questionnaire regarding their habits when it comes to watching films, playing videogames, the use of social media etc., as well as a test containing 60 multiple–choice questions with examples of various English idioms. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the best predictor for the knowledge of English idioms is the frequency of listening to English and American music, while other significant predictors were the frequency of watching YouTube videos with foreign content, the frequency of playing videogames, the grades achieved in English language–teaching classes throughout high school and the scores on the English–language tests administered at the end of the first semester at the university; the total predictive value of the examined variables was surprisingly high (R2=0.612). Aside from discussing the implications of these results, the paper also reflects upon the fact that the frequency of watching English and American movies/TV shows turned out to be a negative predictor despite the positive correlation with the overall results on the test, as well as on the fact that the frequency of using social networks had no impact on the acquisition of English idioms whatsoever

The Implementation Of Merdeka Curriculum For Formal English Learning

This article aims to explain The Implementation Of Merdeka Curriculum For Formal English Learning. The curriculum becomes very important in educational institutions because the curriculum is the “heart” of education. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach with library research methods, using synthesis and content analysis. The results of the study show that the Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at the Elementary School level prioritizes project-based learning. In the implementation of learning is not only focused on the world of knowledge but emphasizes the mastery of character, literacy, skills, and technology. Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum in English Learning at the Middle School Level, namely by applying the Project Based Learning method is the application of student-oriented learning (student-centered). Implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum at the English Learning High School level is by implementing a curriculum that is Basic Framework, Targeted Competency, Curriculum Structure, Learning Process, Assessment, Teaching Resources, and Curriculum Tools.

Depression and Reciprocal Language Style Matching in Text Messages

This study investigates whether interpersonal coordination of language style in written text message communication relates to past-year depressive symptoms and lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) in young adults. Consistent with application of Joiner's integrative interpersonal framework to interpersonal coordination, we hypothesized that students with more experiences of depression, and their conversation partners, would engage in less interpersonal coordination in text messages (indexed by reciprocal language style matching of function words; rLSM). College students at a large southeastern university ( N = 263) contributed two weeks of text messages in 2014−2015, alongside a mental health survey. Texts were filtered to dyads that used formal English (207,942 talk turns), accommodating limitations of LSM measurement. Structural equation models showed that students with more past-year depressive symptoms and lifetime MDD coordinated more (opposite the hypothesized direction of effect). Implications for interpersonal processes in depression and measurement of rLSM in text messages are discussed.

The Use of English Greetings and Terms of Address by Employees and Homestay Owners in Kintamani Tourism Area, Bali

How to communicate properly and correctly is needed by the people of Bali, especially those who live in tourism areas. The increasing arrivals of foreign tourists to the Island of the Gods has made English an important means of communication, which is therefore, badly needed by people in tourist areas, such as the Kintamani. Those who are directly involved in tourism industry activities are expected to provide good service to meet customer satisfaction. This qualitative research, which is based on a phenomenological philosophy approach, aims to determine the understanding of employees and homestay owners in Kintamani on the use of formal English greetings and terms to address customers in their daily tasks. 30 respondents were selected as samples by accidental sampling technique. Meanwhile, data were collected from respondents through interviews and observations, with recording techniques when respondents served guests in eight representative homestays. Furthermore, the data were descriptively analyzed, referring to the basic English grammatical theory. The results of the study show that in general, employees or homestay owners in Kintamani have already understood the formal use of greetings and terms to address the guests in English well. But in daily conversation, they do not use greetings and terms to address guests in formal English which is theoretically appropriate, and prioritize the communicative aspect instead.

Post-Pandemic Blues: Collaborative Learning (CL) and Communicative Competence in The English As A Second Language (ESL) Classroom

Due to the pandemic, many students are experiencing problems in face-to-face classes. In this post-pandemic phase, it is observed that students are unable to deal with communicating with their lecturers and peers, feeling awkward in their social interactions. Many were found to be shy, passive, inarticulate, mispronouncing words, and unable to present during class presentations. They also found it difficult to write in formal English and instead write using Internet jargon. Due to this, it is imperative that a solution be found. It is crucial that this serious issue be addressed to ensure that the next generation grows to be more self-confident and have excellent communication skills as these are the foundations of success in life. Therefore, it is proposed that Collaborative Learning (CL) be incorporated in the classroom to resolve the problem of a lack of communicative competence particularly in the post-pandemic era. This study utilizes the qualitative method which encompasses library research to compile the necessary data. To produce the research findings, the compiled data will then be analyzed according to content. The findings show that CL has numerous advantages in helping students overcome their lack of communicative competence. With CL, students will be able to reach their potential while learning in a conducive environment.

Evolutionary language learning

This essay discusses the development of a language learning program for the local community on the island of San Cristóbal in the Galapagos Islands. Second and third language skills are very important to residents of the Galapagos due to the islands’ dependency on the tourism sector. In pursuit of UN Sustainable Development Goal Four, Quality Education, the Department of Foreign Languages has implemented formal English and French as a Foreign Language education programs for children, adolescents and adults on San Cristóbal. USFQ’s Language Department in the Galapagos is small, but has used bespoke course design based around communicative functions to meet the needs of different groups within the local community.

English Education in Japan and Its Transformation in the Era of COVID-19

English has a unique perception in Japan. While it is considered as one of the important tools to gain knowledge and success, Japanese society also has its own sentiment and seen it as a language of the elites. This perception heavily influenced the curriculum, teaching methods, and students’ motivation in mastering the language. English proficiency in Japan itself, however, is still considered very low. Many argued that the curriculum and the outdated teaching style are the ones to blame. Japanese government have been trying several initiatives to improve its English education quality. In the past few years, non- formal English educations institution and native English teachers has also been increasing in demand, mainly thanks to Tokyo Olympic 2020. The spread of COVID-19, however, brought a lot of new challenges and left the future of English education in jeopardy. This paper is intended to give an overview of how English is perceived by Japanese society, how it is learnt in each educational level, and later how COVID-19 affected the system.

Evaluation of English Language Learning Among in Diploma Student using the SPSS Method

Students pursuing diplomas must have their English language learning progress and proficiency evaluated. The listening, speak-ing, reading, and writing abilities of pupils are evaluated through a variety of assessment techniques, including tests, assignments, and oral exams. Additionally, their comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar are evaluated. The evaluation procedure aids in de-termining strengths and shortcomings, guiding teaching tactics, and tracking students' linguistic growth. Students are given excel-lent language training and are supported in their overall academic performance through frequent and thorough assessments. The evaluation of English language learning amongst diploma students is the focus of the research. Understanding how well English language training works in this specific group is crucial for educational institutions. In order to better meet the requirements of di-ploma students, educators can enhance their teaching strategies and curricula by evaluating learning results and identifying areas for growth. This evaluation offers important information about the diploma students' English language proficiency, helping to de-velop materials and interventions that are especially beneficial to language learners. SPSS, or Statistical Package for the Social Studies) is a well-liked piece of software for data analysis in the social sciences. It provides complete solutions for data admin-istration, analysis, and visualisation for researchers. Researchers can enter their data into SPSS and run different statistical tests, including chi-square testing, regression analysis, and ANOVA. Advanced capabilities including factor analysis, cluster analysis, and multivariate analysis are also available in SPSS. SPSS has developed into a useful tool for researchers to analyse and under-stand data in their studies due to its user-friendly design and broad capability. I enjoy studying that incorporates instruction in the English language into the learning process, I like reading books about teaching second language learning in English, Instruction of the English language must be considered among the subjects that are given to pupils as an individual discipline required subjects in schools and the formal English used in schools’ aids in my learning The Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .750 which indicates 75% reliability. From the literature review, the above 73% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis. Evaluation of English Language Learning Among in Diploma Stu-dent the Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .750 which indicates 75% relia-bility. From the literature review, the above 73% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis.

SLANG EXPRESSION USED BY AUSTRALIAN TOURIST AT SORAKE BEACH SOUTH NIAS REGENCY

English language is devided into two kinds, they are Formal English and Informal English. In the field, Australian people who speak English use the informal English to communicate with their friends depends where they are and in what occasion they speak. And this informal English is called Slang. The purpose of this research was to describe the slang that produced by Australian Tourist at Sorake Beach and to classify the based on the types of slang. This research is focused on three domains, there are beach, surfcamp and shop. Then, this research was designed by using Qualitative Research. The data was taken from the Australian Tourist at Sorake Beach and the informants were seven (7) people. Researcher used Handphone as a tool to record their voices and the video during they speak to their friends. The result of the data shows that, the researcher found fifteen (15) Slang expressions that produced by Australian Tourist at Sorake Beach. Australian does speak and use the slang expressions in the their communication with their friends and they mostly use the Public slang in their communication because they usually drink beers and they stay at the beach. It can be concluded, slang is an informal expression that usually exist in English speaking to make the language more fashionable and attractive. The researcher suggests to the readers to use the result of the research as references to increase their knowledge about English and they can implement this research to communicate with the Australian tourist.

Like as an Approximative Adverb in Formal Quantificational Contexts in Nigerian English Usage

Some of the occurrences of like in Nigerian English usage reveal diverse linguistic dimensions that are different in forms and functions from conventionally known discourse markers. This study investigates the use of like as an approximative adverb in the formal speech situations of selected educated Nigerians with the aim of highlighting the implications that this speech mannerism may hold for English usage in Nigeria. The study adopts Labov's variability theory which explains language variation in relation to social variables. Relevant data on the use of like were drawn from purposively sampled radio and television programmes. Qualitative data were subjected to sociolinguistic analysis while quantitative data were analysed, using frequency count. Findings revealed the occurrence of like as a substitute for the approximative adverb – about. There were structures which showed the occurrence of like alone as a substitute for about; like occurring after for; and like co-occurring with about either side by side or at some point within the sentence or utterance. There were more occurrences of like as a substitute for about in the speech samples of the graduate participants than there were in those of the undergraduate participants. English usage in formal contexts by educated Nigerians reveals that like has an extended meaning in formal contexts as a synonym for the approximative adverb – about – a pattern which is unacceptable in formal English usage.

TRANSLATING DIALECTAL EXPRESSIONS AND TERMS EMBEDDED IN SAUDI MODERN NOVELS WITH A PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE GIRLS OF RIYADH

Purpose of the study: The current study aims to assess the translation of dialectal expressions embedded in the Girls of Riyadh and whether the translation could transfer the overall effect, aesthetic values, cultural atmosphere, style, and pragmatic effect. Methodology: The study has used a corpus linguistic approach for collecting random samples of dialectal terms used in Saudi novels and classified dialectal elements under the rubric of cultural markers and assessed the rendition of these cultural markers in connection with Dickins’ degrees of cultural transposition and House’s concept of covert translation and its criteria. Main Findings: Following the assessment of samples from the novel, the study has found that the translators neither follow domestication nor foreignization and they rely heavily on the communicative translation strategy, and in most cases, dialectal expressions are omitted or rendered into formal English. Applications of this study: The current study can be useful in providing a translation approach for translating dialectal terms and expressions in Saudi novels as it draws their attention to the utmost importance of translating dialect in order to maintain the overall effect of the source culture in the target language text. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is the first of its kind in addressing the issue of translating Saudi dialectal terms and expressions embedded in contemporary Saudi novels where there is a scarcity in the number of studies dealing with the problems of translating Saudi literature into foreign languages.

Translating Dialectal Expressions and Terms Embedded in Saudi Modern Novels with a particular Emphasis on Ragaa Alsanea’s The Girls of Riyadh

Translating dialectal terms and idiomatic expressions embedded in Saudi contemporary fiction is an underresearched topic, and the assessment of translating dialectal terms and expressions has not been examined adequately as there is a scarcity in the studies addressing such a translation issue. Therefore, the current study is mainly interested in assessing how far the translators of the Girls of Riyadh could succeed in translating the embedded dialectal expressions in the novel and whether their translation could transfer the overall effect, aesthetic values, cultural atmosphere, style and pragmatic effect. To achieve this end, the study has classified dialectal elements under the rubric of cultural markers and assessed the rendition of these cultural markers in connection with Dickins’ degrees of cultural transposition and House’s concept of covert translation and its criteria. Following the assessment of samples from the novel, the study has found that the translators neither follow domestication nor foreignization and that they rely heavily on the communicative translation strategy, and in most cases dialectal expressions are omitted or rendered into formal English.

Future Economists’ Cultural Competence and Business English Speech Etiquette Formation

The article deals with the process of future economists’ cultural competence and business English speech etiquette formation. It makes an analysis of domestic and foreign scientific literature devoted to the research topic. The paper describes an experiment divided into two stages in which 450 economic students of Odessa National Academy of Food Technologies took part. The authors give their own definition of the concepts “general cultural competence” and “business English speech etiquette”. The authors claim that the successful culture competence and business English speech etiquette development is possible under the following pedagogical conditions: gradual cultural competence components formation, interactive teaching methods, a system and model of professionally-oriented exercises based on speech etiquette formulae implementation, independent students’ work. They showed the successful use of innovative class activities and information technologies in understanding and accepting foreign culture principles. During the research, the authors provided the students with authentic lexical and socio-cultural materials on different topics of business communication inherent to their future profession. The authors proposed an experimental model that contained a system of oral communicative exercises aimed at formal English speech etiquette development. They also worked out a handbook and a dictionary guide for business English speech etiquette acquisition. The article defines the essence, structure and methodological recommendations that can be introduced into the process of business English teaching at a technical university. The results of the study proved the efficiency of the proposed teaching model.

The Differences in Consonantal Pronunciation Between Formal English and Saudi Hijazi English and Their Implications for Oral Intralingual Translation.

Based on Mahboob and Elyas (World Engl 33(1):128-142, 2014), who identified an expanding circle variety of Englishes, known as 'Saudi English', the present paper addresses the consonantal variations between Formal English and a sub-variety of Saudi English, termed as 'Saudi Hijazi English'. The paper presents the specific consonants of Saudi Hijazi English through conducting an interview with five Hijazi linguists to obtain qualitative data concerning the consonants that constitute Saudi Hijazi English sound system. The paper argues that there are eighteen consonants constituting Saudi Hijazi English sound system. This sound system is partly influenced by the sound system of Urban Hijazi dialect only and partly by the sound system of both Urban Hijazi dialect and Modern Standard Arabic together. Finally, the paper claims that the consonantal variations between Formal English and Saudi Hijazi English have certain implications for oral intralingual translation, particularly if the latter is unknown to the formal English speaker.

A Cognitive Approach to Temporal Complex Events: With a Reference to COCA and Movie Corpus

This study investigated the influence of perspectival mode and direction of viewing on complex sentences with temporally related events. In order to verify the affectedness, 2,000 tokens were collected from two corpus engines such as the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) for formal English and the Movie Corpus for informal English. The results of this study showed that the interaction between the cosequential perspectival mode and the prospective direction of viewing had the most strong influence on the expressions with afterand before-clauses in both formal and informal English. In addition, the cosequential perspectival mode was more preferred in informal English while the antisequential perspectival mode was more frequently chosen in formal English. In terms of the combination, the cosequential perspectival mode was found to be more strongly combined with the prospective direction of viewing while the antisequential perspectival mode more frequently with the retrospective direction of viewing.

THE IMPACT OF THE ENGLISH LISTENING TEST IN THE HIGH-STAKES NATIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION ON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Listening is a fundamental language skill that enables language learners to receive information and interact with others. Learners use strategies to facilitate learning, perform tasks, and compensate for gaps in linguistic knowledge. Listening and learning strategies have not received much attention at secondary level in Taiwan until recently. From 2014, the Ministry of Education in Taiwan has made the English listening test a part of the large-scale, nation-wide senior high school entrance examination. As the need for teaching and learning English listening is growing increasingly important, the present study aims to explore to what extent the formal English listening test impacts on the teaching and learning of listening in junior high school. In the study, 311 junior high school students and 12 teachers participated; questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were employed. Descriptive statistics and one-way MANOVA were used to analyze quantitative data. The findings showed the test impacted learning more than teaching. In particular, cognitive and social strategies for listening were more frequently adopted by the students than rehearsal and paralinguistic inferencing strategies. While the students expected learner-centered and communication-oriented teaching approaches to listening, the junior high school teachers in fact adopted more of a text-oriented or ‘testing’ approach.

Verb-particle constructions in the language of business and finance

Author/s
 Ruth BreezeUniversidad de Navarra, Spain
 
 ABSTRACT
 Although verb-particle combinations are generally relatively uncommon in formal English, they occur with a certain frequency in texts related to the economy, and specifically in journalism and academic analysis focusing on the financial markets. The first part of this paper consists of a corpus study of the verb-particle combinations found in two 200,000 word corpora of business English, one consisting of market reports from the Financial Times, the other of academic research papers on economics from a series of peer-reviewed journals. The particles UP, DOWN, OFF, OUT, BACK and AHEAD are found to be particularly frequent, in combination with a wide range of verbs, mainly verbs of motion. The last section of the paper provides some models for creating exercises for teaching purposes, which start from an analysis of the metaphors associated with each particle and progress to comprehension of real examples from market reports published in the Financial Times.

"Write Us into Existence": An Interview with Sokunthary Svay

Sokunthary Svay is a Cambodian American writer and activist who grew up in the Bronx, New York. Her poetry, essays, and reviews appear in such publications as WSQ, Mekong Review, and Hyphen. Published in 2017, Apsara in New York is her first poetry collection. Svay is a founding member and board president of the Cambodian American Literary Arts Association (CALAA) and has been awarded an American Opera Projects Composers & the Voice Fellowship for 2017–2019 and the 2018 Emerging Poets Fellowship at Poets House. She is emerging as an important critic of and groundbreaking voice within Asian American cultural production. Rejecting the genre of survival memoirs, Svay creates a variety of personae across gender and generation. Her choice of language—Khmer, formal English, and urban vernacular—captures the individuality and complexity of each of these perspectives. As a performer, Svay draws on music and theater to move her poems beyond the page. Anita Baksh, Associate Professor of English at LaGuardia Community College at the City University of New York, conducted this interview with Svay in spring 2018.

Authentic Materials – A Natural Resource for Developing Academic English

The approach to language learning as a way of coming to understand target culture and its impact on target language is reflected in the concept of teaching and learning languages through the integration of intercultural capabilities. The concept will be supported by a number of examples taken from authentic materials language learners have encountered in target language contexts, predominantly gaining experience through reading authentic materials. The paper presents the ideas of university students who carried out their own projects within and after research run by Trnava University, the representatives of which actively participated in a three-year project, supported by the VEGA funding scheme under number 1/0106/15. Twenty-two students who participated in our experiment were asked to analyze formal English in its written mode, searching for characteristic features of formal writing, used in contemporary English. After the completion of the first task related to the selection of appropriate samples, the students were expected to compare the quality of authentic materials received through technologies and that achieved from reading contemporary literary prose, newspapers and academic texts. The idea behind this task was to help university students to be able to critically assess other people’s ideas and arguments, to apply critical thinking when reading, to evaluate authentic materials and to achieve the ability to construct effective arguments in formal writing.