non-English Department Research Articles

Exploring Translation Strategies of Thesis Abstract Written by Non-English Department Students in The University of Mataram

This study investigates the translation problems, strategies, and the most frequently used strategy in translating Indonesian thesis abstracts into English. The subjects of this research comprised eight thesis abstracts written by non-English department students at the University of Mataram during the 2023 academic year. Utilizing Baker’s theory on translation problems and strategies, which encompasses eleven aspects, this study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. The findings reveal a total of 78 translation problems across the eight Indonesian thesis abstracts. Among Baker's identified problems, only eight were observed, including: culture-specific concepts (31 instances), source language concepts not lexicalized in the target language (4 instances), semantically complex source language words (14 instances), a lack of specific terms in the target language (1 instance), differences in expressive meaning (8 instances), differences in form (2 instances), differences in frequency and purpose of specific forms (6 instances), and the use of loan words in the source text (12 instances). To address these challenges, seven out of eight translation strategies from Baker’s theory were employed in the English thesis abstracts. The most utilized strategy was translation using loan words (35 instances, 45%), followed by translation using a more general word (12 instances, 16%), translation using a neutral word (10 instances, 13%), translation by omission (10 instances, 13%), translation by paraphrase using a related word (4 instances, 5%), and the least employed strategies were translation using cultural substitution (3 instances, 4%) and paraphrase using unrelated words (3 instances, 4%). Of the 78 translation problems identified, 77 were resolved using the seven strategies, while one problem remained unsolved due to an unacceptable translation. This thesis aims to serve as a valuable reference for translators, English department students, and researchers in the field of translation. The findings indicate a significant need for enhanced support and resources in the translation process for non-English department students at the University of Mataram.

The power of translanguaging by Papuan non-EFL students during EFL virtual class

The study focuses on addressing a knowledge gap in learning English for non-EFL students in higher education in Papua. Non-EFL students in Papua sometimes find English unattractive, if not frightening. Translanguaging helps non-EFL students to acquire and practice English skills in virtual classrooms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the process of non-EFL students' virtual EFL learning through translanguaging. A qualitative study was conducted through interviews and observations with EFL teachers and non-EFL students attending English classes. There are several non-English departments in one of the higher education institutions in Papua, which are sources of information in this study. The data are then analyzed qualitatively using a discourse analysis framework. The results of the study show that the power of translanguaging for non-EFL students is an option that is always used during virtual English learning. The process of virtual English learning uses different digital learning platforms such as Zoom meetings, WhatsApp groups and Google classroom. The use of this platform has its own privileges as long as it is used in virtual English learning with translanguaging. The process of learning English using different platforms can be described by two activities, such as teacher activities using translanguaging and student activities. Virtual English learning using translanguaging is also illustrated by the use of various language resources owned by students. This is an added value of virtual EFL learning using translanguaging. Therefore, it is highly recommended that EFL teachers use translanguaging during the virtual EFL teaching process to make it easier for non-EFL students to understand EFL subjects.

Analysis of English Learning Strategies Performed by Successful EFL Learners in Non-English Department

The objectives of this research were to know and describe English learning strategies that are used by successful EFL learners in non-English departments at the University of Mataram and the factors driving them. This is a descriptive qualitative study using purposive sampling. The samples were 5 Engineering students and 5 Economics students with TOEFL scores of 457 to 560. The data was collected through the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) questionnaire version 7.0 and semi-interview. The result of the study reveals that successful EFL learners in Engineering and Economics implement all learning strategies at two different levels. The learners use compensation, metacognitive, and cognitive strategies at a high level, then memory, social, and affective strategies at a medium level. This research found that each learning strategy that the learners performed is intertwined. The naturalistic factors that contribute to driving the appropriation and implementation of those strategies are their English proficiency, learning style, and motivation. While there is no significant influence from gender identity found in this research.

Peer Score Presentation in Non-English Department Classes: Investigating Students’ Perceptions to Boost Confidence

English is a required course during the first and second semesters learning in Vocational Higher Education in Indonesia. Recognizing the importance of future career demands, presentation skills are incorporated into the Semester Learning Plans as English for Specific Purposes. This research focuses on students' perspectives regarding English learning through presentations regarding their own field particularly the implementation of peer scoring. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study involved first-semester students at Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin. One hundred and fifteen students of Banjarmasin State Polytechnic, Indonesia majoring in Mining Engineering (19 students), Civil Engineering (35 students) and Accounting (61 students) responded to a questionnaire, and ten students were interviewed, serving as voluntarily participants. Data collection method included a questionnaire administered via Google Form and interviews for triangulation. Students filled in the questionnaire after scoring their peer’s presentation. In scoring their peers, they used a presentation scoring rubric. Findings indicate a generally positive perception among students towards peer scoring presentations. Despite experiencing anxiety during preparation and delivery of presentation, students expressed high motivation and found the presentation experience rewarding as the scores not only from the lecturer but also from their peers. They worried to score at the beginning, but the scoring rubric help them guide along the process. Some students who commonly do not pay attention to the presenters in the presentation are now fully paying attention because they are in charge to score. Overall, students viewed presentation projects favorably, highlighting their potential to improve speaking performance and be a rater on their peers’ performance. The implication of this research is to highlight students’ ability to deliver a presentation as well as build their confidence in speaking activities.

Instrumental Motivation and Self-Efficacy of Indonesian L2 Learners of English: Does Gender Play a Role?

Extensive research on second and foreign language learning suggests that gender can significantly influence language acquisition. While some studies indicate that female learners often outperform males in language tasks, the evidence is inconsistent, and findings may vary depending on the learning context. This highlights the need to explore further how gender interacts with other factors, such as motivation and self-efficacy, in shaping L2 learning outcomes. This study explores how gender affects learners' instrumental motivation and self-efficacy in learning English as a second language. A total of 144 L2 learners from non-English departments at a private university in Java, Indonesia, participated in this research, which utilized a survey design. Paper-based questionnaires were distributed to participants, who were recruited through convenience sampling. The findings revealed that female learners reported slightly higher levels of instrumental motivation (Mean female = 43.40) than male learners (Mean score-male = 42.78). However, the difference was not statistically significant, t= .86, p = .15. In terms of self-efficacy, male learners demonstrated marginally higher levels (Mean score-male = 47.71) than females (Mean score-female = 46.32), but again, this difference was not statistically significant, t= -1.48, p = .14. These findings suggest that, while gender differences in motivation and self-efficacy are often highlighted in L2 research, their impact may vary based on specific learning contexts. Further research is needed, incorporating additional learner variables, to clarify the complex relationship between gender and L2 learning outcomes.

Factors Affecting the Success of Learning English with Limited Exposure: Reflections from Non-English Department Students

Acquiring English language skills is an important aspect of education for non-English department students. However, it can be a challenging task, especially for those with limited exposure to the language. This study aims to determine the factors that affect the success of learning English with limited exposure of non-English department students. The subjects of the study were 79 psychology department students. This research used 25 questions followed by open-ended questions and why they chose the options to collect the data. The result showed that motivation was the most factor affecting learning English as much as (80%). The second factor was aptitude and learning strategies which have the same percentage in affecting English learning success that is (76%). The third point that influences learning English success is personality as much as (70%). The last and the lowest factor was learning styles, with a percentage (57%). The result concluded that the students need instrumental motivation in English learning. The students needed the teacher's example and explanation in learning English. The strategy of learning English with medium pressure will help the students in managing their anxiety.

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

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

Fostering Creative Writing through Poetry in EFL Classroom

This study was conducted to examine how the ELT teacher implements creative writing through poetry in the ELT classroom during pandemic and to describe how the students express their emotions through tone of poetry in their creative writing. It is due to the existence of creative writing in language teaching and learning practice is significant to gaining students’ creativity and thinking. One of them is writing poetry. However, few literatures discussed on the method used by teachers through writing poems as well as the concern for emotion and tone embedded in students’ writing products. This study used qualitative descriptive with Indonesian EFL university students of the non-English department at an Islamic University in Indonesia as the participants. The result shows that teachers use student-centered methods to implement creative writing through poetry in the classroom during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was organized using Zoom Meeting with performing Warm-Up, Lead-In (Creation of Poem and Reading the Poem), and Follow-up. In addition, it was also found that the student’s creative works posted on Instagram were based on the negative variations of poetry tone including threatening, painful, and discouraged. The study underscores the pedagogical efficacy of student-centered creative writing in ELT, highlighting its role in enhancing emotional intelligence and validating the integration of digital platforms for remote learning. It advocates for culturally responsive curricula that leverage creative expression as a conduit for emotional articulation and critical thinking

Difficult Aspects of Reading Comprehension Faced by Non-English Department of Vocational Students

Understanding and interpreting text is a fundamental skill for students across disciplines, not limited to those in the English Department. Proficiency in reading comprehension not only enhances vocabulary and writing abilities but also fosters overall academic growth. This research endeavors to pinpoint the primary challenges encountered by first-semester students at Politeknik Negeri Banjarmasin in comprehending written material. Employing a descriptive quantitative approach, the study aims to identify the most daunting aspects of reading comprehension. A reading comprehension assessment comprising 40 multiple-choice questions, administered via Google Form, was utilized to gather data. Analysis revealed that students encounter significant hurdles in this domain. Across all question types, spanning the five facets of reading comprehension, difficulty levels were consistently high. Particularly, questions assessing the determination of the main idea posed the greatest challenge, with 60% of students struggling in this area, followed by making inferences (44%), locating references (41%), understanding vocabulary (36%), and grasping detailed information (34%). Notably, identifying the main idea emerged as the most formidable task, whereas discerning detailed information proved relatively less challenging. These findings serve to highlight areas for improvement in understanding main ideas and inform strategies aimed at enhancing comprehension skills.

ISSUES OF TEACHING ENGLISH FOR LECTURERS OF NON-ENGLISH DEPARTMENT: A NARRATIVE EXPLORATION ON TEACHING EXPERIENCE

ISSUES OF TEACHING ENGLISH FOR LECTURERS OF NON-ENGLISH DEPARTMENT: A NARRATIVE EXPLORATION ON TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Elevating Reading Comprehension: Tailored Techniques for Non-English Majors

Reading comprehension is essential for language acquisition and academic success, as it allows students to access information across all subjects. While numerous studies have examined the impact of various reading techniques on student comprehension, the process by which lecturers select and implement these techniques remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating the decision-making processes of lecturers when choosing techniques for teaching reading comprehension, particularly in non-English departments. Utilizing qualitative methods, including online surveys, semi-structured interviews, and observations, data were collected from lecturers at the Language Center of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. The findings reveal a two-stage selection process, with student English proficiency as the primary consideration, followed by their academic majors. Additional factors influencing technique selection include age, behavior, attitude, classroom environment, and course content. These insights are valuable for curriculum developers, lecturers, and researchers aiming to enhance language teaching practices and curricular development, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes and pedagogical advancement.

Interaction Between Self-Efficacy and Instrumental Motivation among Indonesian L2 Learners of English

The present study intended to investigate second/foreign language (L2) learners’ level of instrumental motivation and the extent to which it predicted their self-efficacy. A survey method was used. It involved 144 Indonesian L2 learners of English from seven non-English departments through a convenience sampling. Through descriptive statistics, this study found that the instrumental motivation associated with future professions, academic success, and practical reasons were all high. Through bivariate linear regression, the study also found that learners’ instrumental motivation significantly predicted their self-efficacy, being able to explain 22.2% of its total variance. Implications include promoting in L2 instruction meaningful and relevant real-world tasks for learners whose majors are not English so that they are willing to invest more time and effort for L2 learning success and gradually build their self-efficacy. Examples of activities include using English for job opportunities, passing exams, or meeting language requirements. For classes with learners from various disciplines, teachers could also allow some freedom in choosing topics or tasks. This study might provide an overview of the relationship between instrumental motivation and self-efficacy, serving as a foundation for future research in this area. Limitations are stated alongside the suggested directions for relevant future studies in the field of instrumental motivation and self-efficacy.

Project-based learning in English academic writing: Students’ and lecturer’s views, hindrances, and practical strategies

Despite a plethora of studies on project-based learning (PjBL) for teaching English academic writing in a higher education setting, it has remained underinvestigated in non-English department contexts, and students’ practical strategies to overcome hindrances have also been underexplored. This present study scrutinizes the views, hindrances, and practical strategies involved in the enactment of PjBL for teaching English academic writing in a non-English department setting. This study adopted a qualitative research method with a single-case study design. Three undergraduate students and one English academic writing lecturer were purposefully recruited as participants. Data were gathered through individual, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data, and member checking was employed to ensure trustworthiness. The findings suggest that the students positively viewed the enactment of PjBL as very helpful although they had mixed opinions about whether the project should be carried out individually or in groups. Moreover, PjBL offers four advantages, including minimizing individual tasks, avoiding getting stuck, accomplishing the project in a well-planned manner, and engaging students more actively. Appropriate technological tools and teaching media are encouraged to be incorporated into PjBL. Although several hindrances related to teamwork and writing were encountered, the students attempted to overcome these hindrances with some practical strategies. Implications, limitations, and future studies are also discussed.

Publishing a research paper in reputable journals: doctoral students’ perspectives

This study aimed to enquire about the English foreign language (EFL) doctoral students’ perspective, especially in the non-English department, concerning the Indonesian government policy, which obliges an article published in a reputable international journal as a requirement to receive a doctoral degree. Their challenges in publishing their papers in Scopus or Web of Science (WOS)-indexed journals and their resolutions were also analyzed. A mixed-methods technique was used to obtain quantitative and qualitative information. The study consisted of 57 respondents, comprising 25 males and 32 females, who were EFL doctoral students of education departments from five universities. The purposive sampling method with several criteria was used to determine the study participants. Data were then collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Subsequently, the findings showed that the policy of publishing a paper in Scopus or WOS-indexed journals to obtain an EFL doctoral degree was burdensome to the majority of the students. Other findings showed that the students faced several challenges in publishing their papers in these journals, including language problems, cost of publication, journal selection, lack of experience, duration to publish, writing difficulties, revising, and stress. The actions to resolve these challenges were also provided in this study.

English Language Attrition Levels and Language Maintenance Efforts among Indonesian Non-English Department Students

In the EFL context, the primary linguistic environment for learners is a formal classroom in which they receive input, feedback, and opportunities to practice with teachers and other learners. However, as learners graduate from schools, they might no longer have access to such an environment and thus be deprived of the main intake to support acquisition and retention, which makes them susceptible to language attrition. This study aims to explore the levels of attrition experienced by 165 multilingual non-English department students 30 months after graduating from their secondary schools, the possible factors associated with attrition, and the predictive power of some language maintenance efforts (LMEs) on English attrition. The participants took standardized English tests, that is, Test 1 and Test 2 administered within a 24-month interval and responded to a questionnaire about LMEs. A paired t-test was used to establish a link between attrition level and the identified factors. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictive power of LMEs for attrition. The results show that learners with different proficiency levels experience different levels of attrition. Factors like attitude and motivation showed different degrees of correlation with attrition. A negative correlation was found in the three dimensions of LMEs: entertainment, literacy activity, and academic activity. Contrary to popular literature on first- and second-language attrition, the dimension of social interaction has a very low predictive power for foreign-language attrition.

Enhancing ESP Learning: Investigating Students' Perspectives on Real-Time Written Corrective Feedback Delivery via Google Docs

The present research aims to investigate the practice of real-time or synchronous written corrective feedback (SWCF) delivery via Google Docs as a platform to deliver feedback, known as a linguistic feedback tool (LiFT) in ESP (English for Specific Purposes) classes, students’ preferences and viewpoints of SWCF. The research employed a qualitative case study involving 15 students from an advanced English correspondence course in a non-English department of a private university in Depok, West Java, Indonesia. Open-ended questionnaires, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews were used to gather the data. The findings revealed that auto-generated and human feedback are used to deliver SWCF via Google Docs, inferring that those features can build students' awareness of language aspects, content, and context in composing professional documents. Direct feedback was delivered more frequently, regarding the learning time efficiency and the students’ ability to identify errors. Further, the students preferred frequent SWCF, direct and indirect feedback, and correcting delivery methods. Finally, they considered that SWCF delivered via Google Docs assists them in improving letter accuracy. Their preferences and viewpoints might allow the lecturer to choose appropriate feedback delivery strategies and material reinforcement. The present research implies a balanced use of auto-generated and human feedback from LiFT in SWCF delivery. Evaluating the effectiveness of SWCF delivery via Google Docs for different levels of achievers in ESP classes might be a potential area of future research. Other LiFTs’ infusion into ESP classes is also worth researching to provide language instructors with alternative applications for SWCF delivery.

Mapping English language proficiency test scores of lecturers onto the common European framework level

This study was conducted to display the lecturer’s English language proficiency test scores at one of the state universities in Indonesia. The research applied descriptive design by quantitative approach. The sample is the lecturers of the English and non-English departments at one of the state universities in Indonesia. The instrument of the research was English language proficiency test of TOEFL ITP. Descriptive statistics was used as data analysis technique, mean and percentage. The result of this research disclosed that 86% of the lecturers are in the level of B1 of CEFR which achieved the targeted score of English competences certification file requirements of certified lecturer and 3.92% of the lecturers are in the A2 level of CEFR. The researchers discovered that the most difficult language skill of the test is in the structure and written expression section where 4 % of the lecturers are in the A2 CEFR level. Then it is also revealed that the lecturers got the lowest scaled score in the structure and written expression section, which was 37. From all parts of the test, none of the lecturers achieved C1 level in the structure and written expression. This is implied that the lecturers have problems in their writing skills and need to improve their grammatical skills to be able to write correct sentence structure in standard academic English.

Motivation in L2 learning: An analysis with self-determination theory

In response to the national policy, compulsory English courses are offered to all undergraduates in Bangladesh, and all of them must attend mandatory English lessons at the secondary level for 12 years. This study started with an observation where learners from non-English departments, compared to the BA English students, were found to be less motivated during classes, lacked essential language skills for advanced-level courses, and were unwilling to improve their linguistic repertoire. 162 participants from two universities in Chattogram, Bangladesh, were selected for this mixed-mode research to conduct a three-phase study within a self-determination theory (SDT) framework, a comparatively newer model of studying human behaviour. It is utilised as a macro theory to examine human psychology and the mechanism of probable actions, and the three dimensions of SDT (autonomy, competence, and connectedness) were tested to assess learners’ determination level and address the issues mentioned above. Based on follow-up qualitative data, the study concluded that learners’ inconsistent conduct is influenced by externally regulated behaviour. They resist this extrinsic pressure from the beginning of their English education in schools and fail to feel connected to the existing language teaching practices leading to such output at the universities.

STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF USING TRANSLATOR APPLICATIONS TO IMPROVE ENGLISH SKILLS: A CASE STUDY

Translator application is a software program created to assist users in translating text, speech, or other forms of communication between different languages. Along with the increasing need to communicate with different languages, translator applications are becoming more used and constantly evolving. The appearance of translator application would make a certain effect on English language skills whether it is good or bad. This study aims to investigate the students’ perceptions of using translator applications to improve English skills. This researchused qualitative case study with semi-structured interview methods as its instruments. The participants were undergraduate students from non-English department who frequently use the translator applications. Based on the data obtained from the research, it shows that participants used several translator applications such as DeepL, Google Translate, Speak and Translate, Yandex Translate, Grammarly and Babylon Translator. The participants had different perspectives towards the effect of translator application on English skills. While the first participants believed thattranslator applications can improve his English skills since they provideassistance in grammar, the other participant concurred that translation applications inhibited learners’ ability to think and express themselves directly in English. This research article further explored the disadvantages of using the translator application completed with the strategy to maximize the advantages of these application.

Google Translate on English Writing Evidence of EFL University Students

This study investigates the Google Translate English writing evidence of English department and less-proficient non-English department students and students' perceptions of translating activities using Google Translate. Through the quantitative research, the researcher distributed a survey in the form of a Google form to 100 students majoring in English and non-English departments. A questionnaire was used to collect the opinions of the students on the activity. The results showed that Google Translates text exhibits authoring performance that is noticeably better and provides more enriched content, employing a vocabulary more sophisticated and grammatical errors. Students use Google Translate because the tool shows better L2 performance in writing languages and tends to be instantaneous. The implications of this research are what students' perceptions of Google Translate are, and whether Google Translate can improve students' writing skills.