Language Competence Research Articles

Intermodal Bilinguals: Acquisition of Sign Language as L1 and Written Language as L2

Based on a bibliographical review and re-readings of different authors, we aim to bring visibility to the discussion regarding inter modal bilingualism and, consequently, to present a reflection on the acquisition of the first and second languages (L1 and L2) by deaf children. We aim to highlight the importance of the first language, in this case, sign language, as a means for developing competence in the second language, the oral language, in its written modality. We divided the article into an explanation of the contact of deaf children with sign language (SL) as their first language. It discusses the development of oral language (OL) as the second language: first addressing writing and then moving on to issues related to reading. Finally, it reflects on using visual resources and how these visual modes can enhance the second language teaching and learning process for deaf children.

Digital ethnography through videoshadowing: everyday life in foreign language and intercultural communicative competence

ABSTRACT Videoshadowing is a synchronous video-collaboration practice for learning foreign languages and cultures; it is related to the field of digital ethnography applied to the development of communicative competence. The study discusses this methodology’s strengths as an interpretative and reflective approach; emic perception linguistic data are qualitatively analysed and conclusions show that videoshadowing creates a potential environment in which learning processes occur spontaneously, and that students perceive and verbalise such processes in forms relatively akin to the descriptors of competence of the main reference models and documents in the field. The implication is that videoshadowing can be an enabling methodology. El videoshadowing es una video-colaboración sincrónica para el aprendizaje de lenguas y culturas extranjeras; está relacionado con el campo de la etnografía digital aplicada al desarrollo de la competencia comunicativa. El estudio examina los puntos fuertes de su enfoque interpretativo y reflexivo; se analizan cualitativamente datos lingüísticos de percepción émica y las conclusiones muestran que crea un entorno potencial en el que los procesos de aprendizaje ocurren espontáneamente, y que los estudiantes los perciben y verbalizan de formas relativamente afines a los descriptores de competencia que los principales modelos y documentos de referencia en la materia proponen. La implicación es que el videoshadowing puede ser una metodología facilitadora.

Study on Task Repetition in Senior English Writing Teaching

General Senior High School Curriculum Standards (2017) specifies that the Core Competence is not only the concentrated embodiment of the value of subject education, but also the correct values, essential characters and key abilities that students gradually form through subject learning. And writing, as the essential output ability in language competence, is the key to cultivating students’ English Subject Core Competence. However, in actual teaching, writing teaching has not been paid enough attention to, and students’ writing competence has not been effectively improved. And some studies have been testified that task repetition is conductive to improving students’ writing performance. Therefore, this paper intends to apply task repetition to senior English writing teaching, so as to promote the improvement of students’ writing competence, and finally improve students’ English Subject Core Competence.

Membership categorisation, sociological description and role prompt engineering with ChatGPT

Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) have become the latest disruptive digital technologies to breach the dividing lines between scientific endeavour and public consciousness. LLMs such as ChatGPT are platformed through commercial providers such as OpenAI, which provide a conduit through which interaction is realised, via a series of exchanges in the form of written natural language text called ‘prompt engineering’. In this paper, we use Membership Categorisation Analysis to interrogate a collection of prompt engineering examples gathered from the endogenous ranking of prompting guides hosted on emerging generative AI community and practitioner-relevant social media. We show how both formal and vernacular ideas surrounding ‘natural’ sociological concepts are mobilised in order to configure LLMs for useful generative output. In addition, we identify some of the interactional limitations and affordances of using role prompt engineering for generating interactional stances with generative AI chatbots and (potentially) other formats. We conclude by reflecting the consequences of these everyday social-technical routines and the rise of ‘ethno-programming’ for generative AI that is realised through natural language and everyday sociological competencies.

Navigating Chinese international students’ inquiry learning in a multilingual and multicultural environment

ABSTRACT In the past few decades, inquiry learning, as a research-based learning approach, has been increasingly emphasised in developed Western countries. This study examined the inquiry learning experiences of 17 Chinese international students at their host universities in the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada, along with their achievements and challenges. Through two rounds of one-on-one semi-structured interviews, this study found a close relationship between the emphasis on inquiry learning in host universities and neoliberal demands for students to acquire knowledge and diverse practical competences. Urged by the learning demands in the host universities, participants advanced in knowledge acquisition, acquired active, passionate, responsible, and inclusive learning attitudes, as well as English language competence, intercultural competence, and other practical competences through inquiry learning. They also faced additional workload and challenges regarding language difficulties and sociocultural factors mediated by home and host educational, social, and cultural contexts. This study advises international and domestic staff and students to engage in constant, candid dialogue, try to understand the specific learning challenges that international students face, and the support they desire. Collaborative efforts from all relevant stakeholders are necessary to create a diversified, caring, inclusive, and supportive inquiry learning environment conducive to mutual learning and thriving.

Enhancing aviation English competency: A simulation-based approach for aspiring pilots

Aviation English (AE) represents a noteworthy area of investigation within the realm of English for Specific Purposes (ESP), aimed at fostering English language competency among aspiring pilots. In this study, a simulation-based aviation English course was designed and implemented for improved learning gains. The present study took place at a tertiary educational institution, focusing on the analysis of AE vocabulary development, the readback performance of student pilots, and the examination of participants' perceptions of simulation-based training. Employing a mixed-methods sequential explanatory research design, data were gathered from 21 ab-initio pilots enrolled in the Pilotage Training program. The quantitative results showed that participants significantly improved their readback performance and AE vocabulary knowledge over the course of a semester. With regard to the qualitative results, student pilots overall perceived the simulation-based training as an innovative and effective method. The present study, therefore, constitutes a notable advancement in the AE research domain by documenting, for the first time, the application of simulation-based training in the aviation context. Moreover, the study offers insights into the implications for ESP practitioners and stakeholders in the aviation sector, along with recommendations for future research, which are delineated in the study's conclusion.

Profiles of young children's home environment and association with their development.

This study aimed to identify profiles of young children's early home environment and explore their association with development in motor, inhibitory control, language, and emotional competence skills. The sample included 2,158 children (51.4% male), 35.47 months old on average. Four home environment profiles emerged: high support and high discipline (HS-HD), high support and low discipline (HS-LD), average support and average discipline (AS-AD), and low support and low discipline (LS-LD). Notably, children from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families were more likely to be associated with HS-HD and HS-LD profiles. Girls exhibited a higher likelihood of belonging to the HS-LD profile. Utilizing regression analyses, children showed the highest motor, inhibitory control, language, and emotional competence development when they were in the HS-LD home environment profile. A concerning finding is that high discipline from parents was negatively associated with children's development, despite providing a high-quality physical environment. The text highlights the positive implications of providing a high-quality home learning environment and offers constructive recommendations for improving practice and future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Critical thinking skills, English language, and intercultural competence among Chinese medical student

Critical thinking skills, English language, and intercultural competence among Chinese medical student

Behavioural and neurodevelopmental characteristics of SYNGAP1

BackgroundSYNGAP1 variants are associated with varying degrees of intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), epilepsy, autism, and behavioural difficulties. These features may also be observed in other monogenic conditions. There is a need to systematically compare the characteristics of SYNGAP1 with other monogenic causes of ID and DD to identify features unique to the SYNAGP1 phenotype. We aimed to contrast the neurodevelopmental and behavioural phenotype of children with SYNGAP1-related ID (SYNGAP1-ID) to children with other monogenic conditions and a matched degree of ID.MethodsParticipants were identified from the IMAGINE-ID study, a UK-based, national cohort study of neuropsychiatric risk in children with ID of known genetic origin. Thirteen children with SYNGAP1 variants (age 4–16 years; 85% female) were matched (2:1) with 26 controls with other monogenic causes of ID for chronological and mental age, sex, socio-economic deprivation, adaptive behaviour, and physical health difficulties. Caregivers completed the Development and Wellbeing Assessment (DAWBA) and physical health questionnaires.ResultsOur results demonstrate that seizures affected children with SYNGAP1-ID (84.6%) more frequently than the ID-comparison group (7.6%; p = < 0.001). Fine-motor development was disproportionally impaired in SYNGAP1-ID, with 92.3% of children experiencing difficulties compared to 50% of ID-comparisons(p = 0.03). Gross motor and social development did not differ between the two groups. Children with SYNGAP1-ID were more likely to be non-verbal (61.5%) than ID-comparisons (23.1%; p = 0.01). Those children able to speak, spoke their first words at the same age as the ID-comparison group (mean = 3.25 years), yet achieved lower language competency (p = 0.04). Children with SYNGAP1-ID compared to the ID-comparison group were not more likely to meet criteria for autism (SYNGAP1-ID = 46.2%; ID-comparison = 30.7%; p = .35), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (15.4%;15.4%; p = 1), generalised anxiety (7.7%;15.4%; p = .49) or oppositional defiant disorder (7.7%;0%; p = .15).ConclusionFor the first time, we demonstrate that SYNGAP1-ID is associated with fine motor and language difficulties beyond those experienced by children with other genetic causes of DD and ID. Targeted occupational and speech and language therapies should be incorporated early into SYNGAP1-ID management.

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.