Implications For Language Teaching Research Articles

Not a passive learner but an active one: a focus on the efficacy of philosophy-based language instruction and its consequences on EFL learners’ critical thinking, engagement, and academic achievement

This study investigates the impact of Philosophy-Based Language Teaching (PBLT) on the critical thinking skills and learner engagement of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. A concurrent mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and academic achievement tests, was employed with an experimental group (EG) exposed to PBLT and a control group (CG) receiving traditional instruction. The results reveal a substantial positive effect of PBLT on the critical thinking abilities of EFL learners, as evidenced by thematic analyses of interviews and document content. Themes include heightened critical thinking awareness, collaborative knowledge construction, and increased learner engagement. Academic achievement tests further demonstrate significant improvement in the experimental group’s performance. A comparison with existing literature underscores the novelty of our mixed-methods approach. Implications for language teachers, materials developers, syllabus designers, and policy-makers are discussed, highlighting the potential of PBLT in cultivating critical thinking and learner engagement.

Exploring Hindko Indexicals: A Pragmatic Analysis with Implications for Language Teaching

The study aims to address the challenges faced by English language teachers and learners in multilingual contexts by examining the deictic expressions in Hindko, an under-documented and endangered language. In a world where linguistic diversity is increasingly threatened, documenting lesser-known languages like Hindko becomes imperative to preserve cultural heritage and enrich linguistic understanding. This research focuses on the comparative analysis of deictic expressions in Hindko and English, specifically exploring person, spatial, and temporal deixis. By elucidating the differences between these languages' deictic systems, the study aims to equip English language teachers with insights into potential pitfalls Hindko-speaking learners may encounter when acquiring English deixis. Moreover, the research identifies common errors made by Hindko-speaking learners and provides strategies for addressing these challenges in English language teaching. Additionally, the study enhances linguistic knowledge by delving into the intricacies of marking numbers and gender on Hindko indexical, offering learners and language teachers a deeper understanding of linguistic diversity and cultural nuances. Through its findings, this research contributes to the broader scope of English Language Teaching by fostering cross-linguistic awareness, promoting cultural sensitivity, and enhancing language instruction in diverse educational settings. Keywords: Deixis; deictic expression_indexical.

Impact of the online Stoodle software program on Iranian EFL teachers’ autonomy, creativity, and work engagement

This study investigated the effect of using Stoodle software program on Iranian EFL teachers’ autonomy, creativity, and work engagement in the light of teaching experience and gender. The participants comprised 60 EFL teachers including 30 male (15 novice and 15 experienced) and 30 female (15 novice and 15 experienced) teachers teaching at five language institutes in Ahvaz. Two briefing sessions were held to make the participants familiar with Stoodle and how to use it in their classes. Prior to the implementation of the treatment, all the teachers were required to respond to the three scales of autonomy, creativity, and work engagement. After the implementation of the treatment, they were asked again to respond to the mentioned scales. The results of statistical analysis indicated that using the online Stoodle software program had significant effects on improving EFL teachers’ autonomy, creativity, and work engagement. However, gender and teaching experience did not have a significant role in contributing to teachers’ autonomy creativity, and work engagement in the Stoodle condition. Moreover, the interaction between gender and teaching experience did not leave a significant impact on teachers’ autonomy, creativity, and work engagement. The results are discussed and implications for language teaching are provided.

The accelerating effect of multilingualism on learning a new language grammar: the case of grammatical gender agreement

Mounting evidence suggests that prior knowledge of multiple languages can enhance learning additional languages. Nevertheless, the effects of multilingualism on grammar learning among adults are yet to be unveiled. The present study investigates the effect of prior foreign language knowledge on the acquisition of pronominal gender agreement in a new language. Forty-three native speakers of Polish learning Swedish with and without prior knowledge of German completed a speeded acceptability judgment task that involved items with grammatical and ungrammatical pronominal gender agreement in Swedish. According to the results, learners who had learnt German achieved higher accuracy scores than learners who had not. The difference between them decreased with increasing Swedish proficiency. In addition, only learners who had learnt German judged ungrammatical items faster than grammatical items. Thus, the present study demonstrates that prior foreign language knowledge accelerates learning grammatical gender agreement and facilitates access to grammatical gender knowledge in a new language, thereby providing evidence for a multilingual advantage in learning grammar. Implications for language teaching in multilingual contexts are discussed.

An Investigation into the Impact of ICT Applications on Improving Human’s Cognitive Skills – Implication for Language Teaching

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of ICT application on the acquisition of cognitive skills of language learners. A questionnaire designed by Barnard et al. (2009) has been adopted to collect responses from participants in a teacher training program conducted by the University of Foreign Languages Studies, The UD. The research results demonstrate a positive tendency in language learners to acquire cognitive skills such as academic self-efficacy, time planning and management, study regulation, task strategies, and metacognitive activities when exposed to the online learning environment. This also suggests implications for language instructors to take into consideration to improve learning outcomes.

The role of implicit learning in second language acquisition

A number of academic disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience, are deeply interested in language acquisition. The process of acquiring a language is complicated and includes learning vocabulary, linguistic structures, and communication techniques. The most crucial factor in developing diverse cooperative networks for the generation of new knowledge is the use of three to five languages. Learning a language is different from learning other skills or knowledge because of the unique status of a language. However, in order to be able to use the language, one must also acquire it. In the context of learning a second language, implicit learning is especially significant for language acquisition. The best research subject for implicit learning is language, and language learning benefits from implicit learning. Studies have identified and examined a wide range of criteria. This paper discusses the concept of implicit learning, its relevance to second language acquisition, and its implications for language teaching and suggests ways in which educators can incorporate these strategies into their pedagogical practices.

An SFL perspective on EFL textbooks and its pedagogical implications in language teaching

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) offers a framework for analyzing EFL textbooks by considering three metafunctions of language: ideational, interpersonal, and textual. This study aims to explore how SFL can provide insights into the linguistic features and discourse patterns that contribute to establishing these metafunctions in EFL textbooks, focusing on the pedagogical implications for language teaching. Specifically, the study investigates the transitivity pattern, mood system, and nominal group analysis, focusing on two selected EFL textbooks from different publishers. For the convenience of the research process, the researcher selected dialogue samples from the textbooks through convenience sampling and transformed them into clauses for analysis. The findings revealed that material process types were the most frequently employed, while interrogative forms predominated among the clause types. Additionally, the analysis of nominal groups indicated that the most common were nominal group types Thing (T) and Noun and Thing (NT). These findings shed light on the linguistic features of EFL textbooks and suggest that a closer examination of the metafunction of language can enhance our understanding of how language is utilized to achieve learning objectives. Consequently, to support students' language learning and proficiency development, EFL teachers should incorporate instructional focus, contextualized language teaching, integration of SFL concepts, promotion of language awareness, and differentiated instruction.

French Language Pedagogies in Tanzania: A Critical Analysis of Methods and Approaches and Their Implications for Language Education.

This paper delves into the methodologies employed for teaching French in Tanzania. It begins by examining the existing research conducted by various scholars on French in Tanzania and its integration within the education system. Subsequently, the paper explores the coexistence of foreign languages within the educational system and the utilisation of languages within this framework. Finally, the author presents the critical analysis of approaches, methods, and techniques employed for teaching French, along with their implications for learners in Tanzanian institutions that offer French language education.

English Language Anxiety in Adult Learners: Challenges and Opportunities

English language anxiety (ELA) is an issue among adults who are learning a language. It affects their experience and outcomes in language learning. This comprehensive review explores the nature of ELA, examining its aspects and implications for language instruction. The research investigates how the classroom environment, linguistic challenges, academic performance, communication difficulties, emotional well-being, motivation, and other personal and societal factors contribute to ELA. It also delves into the role of technology, self-reflection, and training in English language acquisition. The review emphasises the importance of creating inclusive language learning spaces, providing teacher training programmes, and encouraging self-practice to address English Language Anxiety (ELA). Moreover, evidence-based solutions such as task design and tolerance for errors are recommended to help students overcome ELA and enhance their overall language learning experience. The conclusions and suggestions presented in this review can be valuable for adult learners of languages who seek to understand and engage with individuals from diverse cultures. IUBAT Review, 6(2): 158-183

Revealing the Kafoa Language Vitality through the Basic Cultural Vocabulary Mastery: Implications for Language Education

The Kafoa language is one of the indigenous languages in Indonesia so that needs to preserve it to be in existed category and reveal it as language assets in Indonesia and local culture identity. Revealing the Kafoa Language vitality can be conducted through many perspectives, one of them is through the use of basic cultural vocabulary mastery by native speakers. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the Kafoa language vitality through the basic cultural vocabulary mastery by the speakers in Bawah Sub-Village, Probur Utara Village, Southwest Alor District, Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. The study was a qualitative applying case study method. Data were the answer of 40 speakers of the Kafoa language as respondents. In collecting data, questionnaire and interview guidance were used as instruments involving 451 basic cultural vocabularies in nine domains of body parts; pronouns, greetings, and references; kinship; village and community life; house and its parts; equipment and tools; foods and beverages; plants and trees; and animals. The data were then analysed through Miles and Huberman steps of data analysis. The study result showed that 190 (42%) vocabularies are still mastered by the speakers of Kafoa language, while 261(58%) vocabularies are not longer mastered. It indicates that the tendency to master the basic cultural vocabulary by speakers of the Kafoa language tends to decrease thus its vitality is getting low. To maintain the vitality or life power of the Kafoa language, a policy from the Government is needed and teaching it in the schools is considered.

Occasionalisms in Social Networks During the Pandemic

Background: This study explores and analyses occasionalisms that were created by social network users during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical framework of this research is based on observing the concepts of occasionalism, neologism and nonce word. 
 Purpose: To indicate occasionalisms in the Russian and English languages and compare them in terms of word-formation, frequencies, part of speech and meanings, thus making a contribution to the understanding of how occasionalisms emerge in these languages.
 Method: A qualitative and quantitative content analyses are used for data collection. The sample is obtained from different social networks (‘Facebook[1]’, ‘Twitter[2]’, ‘Reddit’ and ‘VK’). Results: Occasionalisms are created mostly through blending, compounding, and affixation. Mixed word-formation methods are also used. The most used parts of speech appear to be nouns and adjectives. The most Russian occasionalisms are ironic, expressive and attract attention, while English occasionalisms are not that expressive as they refer to medical or political concepts. Borrowings from English in the Russian occasionalisms are also indicated. The glossary of 106 occasionalisms in the Russian and English languages is introduced at the end of the study.
 Conclusion: The results might expand the knowledge of new vocabulary items in the field of lexicology and stylistics, and have practical implications in language teaching and translations, as occasionalisms may frequently create obstacles for foreign language students and translators. They also may serve as a basis for further studies on neologisms, occasionalisms and nonce words generated during the pandemic and cover the gap in comparative studies of the Russian and English occasionalisms. In addition, the obtained results might be beneficial for future research in sociolinguistics and sociocultural linguistics providing greater awareness of the linguistic and sociocultural factors that impact the adoption and use of occasionalisms in both languages.

Analysis of errors in the writing of content in dissertations and their impact on the learning of foreign languages: A case study in Ghana

The average postgraduate student in Ghana has about 20 years exposure in English language, having been taught and instructed in English from primary to tertiary level. It is, therefore, not far-fetched to expect the postgraduate student to commit minimal to no errors in their L2 writings. The seeming consequential minimal scholarly attention on errors in postgraduate writings regardless of the many studies on students’ errors is therefore not surprising. This study is an attempt to identify, categorise and describe the errors in postgraduate dissertations in Ghana and highlight its implications for language teaching. This exploratory qualitative study carries out a content analysis of 20 randomly selected MA, MPhil and PhD dissertations published between 2020 and 2021. The data are analysed using the theory of Error Analysis. After critically assessing the dissertations, seven (7) categories of concord errors were identified and recorded. These are; subject-verb concord errors, inverted subject concord errors, concord errors associated with ‘has’ and ‘have’, determiner-noun errors, concord errors on numbers, noun-pronoun antecedent errors and compound subject concord errors. This implies that postgraduate students are prone to errors, hence, the need to introduce or intensify the teaching of English at the postgraduate level.

A systematic review of the application of metaverse in language education: Prominent themes, research methods, impacts, and future challenges

In the era of human-computer symbiosis, extensive research has examined the influence of educational technologies on education. The nascent field, metaverse, driven by advancements in 5G, VR, and AR, has emerged as a new frontier. Although some scholars have explored the application of the metaverse in education, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on its implications for language education. This systematic literature review aims to comprehensively examine empirical studies on the use of metaverse in language education, including, research topics, methodologies, common tools, impacts, and challenges. Through searching authoritative databases (i.e., Web of Science and Scopus) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines (i.e., PRISMA), 12 relevant articles were selected. Statistical analysis showed that South Korea and China are active contributors in this field, primarily investigating university students. Platforms like Ifland, Gather Town, and Metaverse Studio were commonly used for metaverse construction, along with tools such as VR. Quantitative and mixed-method approaches were favored, with research mostly focused on student and teacher perspectives and language proficiency outcomes. Overall, findings suggest positive attitudes towards metaverse implementation and its beneficial impact on learning outcomes, but caution against considering it a complete solution for language learning. Despite valuable insights, the existing literature on metaverse in language education remains limited compared to other technological domains. Further research is necessary to enrich the understanding of research directions, sample choice, experimental findings and so on.

PECULIARITIES OF TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES TO COMPUTER SPECIALTIES STUDENTS

Abstract. The present study investigates the unique challenges and opportunities associated with teaching foreign languages to students pursuing computer specialties. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of world scientific literature, we explore the cognitive and linguistic peculiarities inherent in computer-related tasks and their implications for language education. Employing an analytical approach, we identify the distinctive characteristics of language acquisition within the context of computer science training. Through a critical synthesis of prior research, we delineate the inadequacies of conventional language teaching methods in catering to the specific needs of computer science students. Furthermore, we propose a specialized instructional framework that integrates domain-specific terminologies and contextualized language learning techniques to enhance language proficiency among these learners. Our findings underscore the necessity for a tailored pedagogical approach that aligns with the cognitive profiles of computer specialists, enabling effective cross-cultural communication and international collaboration. We conclude that optimizing foreign language instruction for computer specialties students holds paramount significance in fostering their linguistic competence and adaptability in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

Shifting Learning Atmosphere through Process Drama: Teaching English Parts-of-Speech (PoS) in Indian Classroom

This paper investigates the effectiveness of process drama in teaching English parts-of-speech to middle school students in an eastern Indian school. For the application part, researchers developed process drama-based lesson plans following the structural approach and implemented them among the students of class VII studying English as a second language (L2). The study employed a quasi-experimental design, with a pretest-posttest approach to data collection. Additionally, the facilitator consistently took observational field notes to understand the utility and limitations of process drama in a second-language classroom. The study's major findings indicate a significant growth in the treatment group and showed seminal benefits over the traditional method of teaching parts-of-speech through the structural approach. Moreover, observation and field notes indicated the welcoming attitude of learners towards process drama-based language pedagogy. Also, observation and field notes showed assistance in understanding the utility and limitations of process drama as a pedagogical tool in an L2 classroom. Thus, findings of this study have implications for language educators, curriculum designers, and policymakers, offering valuable insights and practical recommendations for integrating process drama in L2 teaching methodologies in diverse educational settings. Additionally, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on innovative language teaching techniques, catering to the needs of the diverse student populations in language classroom.

Adapting Bloom’s Taxonomy for Designing Grammar Activities to Teach English Tenses at IUH

This experimental study aimed to investigate the application of Bloom's taxonomy in teaching grammar, specifically English tenses, at IUH. The researchers aim to enhance the teaching and learning process of English tenses by incorporating higher-order thinking skills into the activities. Two groups of students, DHAV18A (n=42) and DHAV18B (n=45) were involved in the study. After teaching the English tenses chapter in the grammar course, the views of the students were surveyed regarding the self-study section and in-class activities that utilized a high level of Bloom's taxonomy. Additionally, students' scores on a test were analyzed, revealing that 90% of students were able to answer basic questions correctly, while 80% were able to answer difficult questions that required the application and creation levels of Bloom's taxonomy. The study also outlines the specific steps taken to adapt the taxonomy, including the identification of specific verbs and cognitive processes related to teaching English tenses. The adapted taxonomy is then used to design a set of grammar activities for each tense. Finally, the researchers conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of the activities in terms of student engagement and learning outcomes. The findings suggest that the adapted taxonomy can be successfully applied in designing grammar activities for teaching English tenses, leading to improved student engagement and learning outcomes. The study concludes with recommendations for further research and implications for language teaching

Students’ Vocabulary Learning through Augmented Reality (AR): EFL Student Teachers’ Perceptions

This study explores the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into English language education, focusing on the topic of professions. Student teachers in a Micro Teaching class were invited to assess the AR-based learning activities designed to aid vocabulary comprehension. Questionnaires were distributed to gather perceptions on the potential usefulness and suitability of the AR product for classroom use. The results affirm that AR holds great promise in enlivening and enriching English language lessons, as student teachers provided numerous creative ideas for its implementation. Valuable recommendations for product improvement were also obtained. As English teachers strive to develop effective teaching media, they should consider how such technology facilitates meaningful learning objectives. This research offers insights into the positive impact of AR in language education and highlights its implications for improving students' language proficiency in specific domains.
 Highlights:
 
 
 AR integration in English learning: Augmented Reality (AR) offers an innovative approach to enhance English vocabulary learning in the context of professions, fostering greater engagement and interactive classroom experiences.
 
 
 Perceptions of student teachers: The study gathers valuable insights from student teachers' perceptions, highlighting their ideas and suggestions for effectively implementing AR-based learning activities in language classrooms.
 
 
 Implications for language education: The research underscores the potential of AR as a teaching tool, emphasizing its positive impact on language proficiency and the importance of meaningful content to facilitate effective learning outcomes.
 
 
 Keywords: Augmented Reality (AR), English Vocabulary, Profession, Student Teachers, Learning Activities

Investigating the relationship between EFL learners’ engagement and their achievement emotions

The examination of emotion and its contribution to L2 learning began four decades ago; however, despite the advancements in this area, there seems to be also a need for more research on the role of emotion in learning in the milieu of education. Accordingly, the present study has been intended to shed light on the relationship between Iranian language learners’ engagement and their achievement emotions. To this end, 403 Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners were recruited, and their achievement emotions and engagement were examined by completing the associated questionnaires. The data were analyzed by the numerical method of Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and through the Smart PLS and MPLS, it was revealed that there is a considerable association between learners’ engagement and achievement emotions. The results also indicated that EFL learners’ achievement emotions could significantly predict their engagement in this setting. Moreover, considering various dimensions, it was found that enjoyment has a positive and significant effect on students’ engagement. However, some dimensions of emotions such as anger, anxiety, and hopelessness were reported to be insignificant. In a nutshell, the paper provides some implications for language teachers and learners.

The Exploration of English Consonant: A Literature Review

This research focuses on the study of English consonants. This research used literature review method to explore the English consonant such as the manner of articulation, the organs produced the consonant, and the benefit of learning English consonant. The results are, the first section explores the specific anatomical structures and organs within the vocal tract that play a role in producing consonant sounds. The second section examines the different ways in which airflow is obstructed or modified during consonant production, highlighting categories such as plosives, fricatives, affricates, nasals, and approximants. The third section investigates the various factors that influence consonant pronunciation, including phonetic, phonological, sociolinguistic, and individual factors, as well as the impact of language contact and second language acquisition. The final section discusses the advantages of learning English consonants, such as improved communication skills, enhanced listening comprehension, expanded vocabulary acquisition, and increased oral fluency. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the study of English consonants, offering a comprehensive understanding of their production, variations, and implications for language instruction and speech pathology.

Research into Intercultural Communicative Competence: A Model Test

This study intended to propose a model of intercultural communicative competence integrating international posture, L2 motivational self-system, autonomy, and cognitive learning strategies. To do so, 180 EFL learners in the Iranian EFL context, selected by convenience sampling procedure, participated in the study. The findings, derived from structural equation modeling, showed that the model adequately fits to the data. That was discussed that interest in seeking international affairs and making intercultural friends, desire to bridge the gap between their current and future selves, taking responsibility for learning, and employment of deep/surface learning strategies direct learners to open conversation with the speakers of other ethnicities. Finally, implications for language teachers and policymakers to inspiring learners to be competent in intercultural communication were provided.