Non-native English Learners Research Articles

The psychological perception of the glass menagerie from author’s perspective: Critical perception and view

This study aims to investigate the pronunciation mistakes in English in accordance with the phonetic study of voiceless and voiced inter-dental fricatives [θ], [ð] and alveolar liquid [r] sounds among Chinese learners of English at University Utara Malaysia (UUM). In order to find out non-native English leaner pronunciation errors, these errors reflect the interference of different sound systems on English pronunciation. Speech samples of the subjects’ pronunciation were taken through words in terms of [θ], [ð] and [r] sounds. Data was collected by contracting survey through structure; six Chinese students were selected by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. Using a reading 30 wordlist worksheets as the instrument of this research, the respondents’ pronunciation was observed and assessed by using native/ phonetics expert speaker and also ensured by the evaluation form. In addition, data of this study was analysed by SPSS (22 version) software package. Data was collected and analysed with the guidance of phonemic transcription of Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary. Using different pronunciation analysis, potential difficulties of English pronunciation for the three subjects were listed by comparing the sound systems of English among Chinese learners. Moreover, the pronunciation errors of subjects were diagnosed into categories based on Error Analysis. The findings would help to provide a clear understanding of the common characteristics of pronunciation errors made by the subjects. Finally, some recommendations have been proposed to overcome the pronunciation difficulties of non-native English learners.

Attitudinal/Stance Lexical Bundles in Secondary School Students’ Narratives: A Comparative Analysis of Native and Non-Native Speakers’ Written Register

Analyzing multi-word expressions aids in understanding how native and non-native English speakers in secondary schools differ in expressing their attitude and stance, especially in written compositions. Thus, this study sought to compare and analyze the attitudinal/stance lexical bundles used by students in their narratives, specifically in terms of epistemicity, desire, obligation/directive, intention/prediction, and ability to conclude which between the native and non-native speakers used attitudinal/stance lexical bundles more frequently. Results showed that non-native English learners demonstrated a greater number of attitudinal/stance lexical bundles compared to their native counterparts, except in terms of desire. Non-native speakers employed more indirect and impersonal variations, unlike the native speakers whose expressions were more direct and straightforward. In line with these findings, further studies on the implications of the observed rarity and higher frequency of attitudinal/stance bundles use by non-native learners are hereby recommended.

Keeping it Real: Vietnamese-English Pragmatic Representations in EFL Textbook

For non-native English learners to successfully manage authentic intercultural and international communication, their pragmatic competence should be considered as fundamental as their linguistic capacity (Bachman, 1990). As the foundation for developing language skills, English textbooks provide EFL learners with preliminary exposure to real-life situated pragmatic interactions. However, there is limited empirical research on the authenticity and appropriateness of the pragmatic representations in Vietnamese EFL textbooks at present. To fill in the gap, this paper provides a content analysis designed to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate a cross-culturally written textbook used for secondary EFL learners in Vietnamese context. It aimed to examine (1) types and distribution of speech acts the textbook covered, (2) meta-pragmatic information accompanying the linguistic realizations of those speech acts, and (3) appropriateness and authenticity of such pragmatic representations in relation to Vietnamese social context. The results revealed a variety of speech acts introduced in the contents but also highlighted their problematic distribution and sequence. Despite their occurrences, the linguistic patterns to achieve the speech acts were limited and accompanied by decontextualized and oversimplified meta-pragmatic information. From a Vietnamese cultural perspective, the attempts to reflect Vietnamese conventions of daily communication were spotted but the inappropriateness of the linguistic choices in the real social interactions was also indisputable. Therefore, some pedagogical implications were suggested to further improve the EFL textbook, reflecting the authentic social encounters rather than disseminating the textbook writers’ prescribed fictitious responses.

Peculiarities of Communicative Approach in Foreign Language Teaching

This paper looks briefly at the preconditions that gradually formed communicative language teaching (CLT) as a response to the growing demand and needs of non-native learners of English in many different contexts of learning, then draws a parallel between existing conventional methods of language teaching and novel insights presented by CLT. The constituent parts of Communicative competence are introduced. The negotiation of meaning is considered as the most essential function of the target language that learners are capable to master which allows them to maintain flexibility in a deliberate speech despite the gaps in their language proficiency. Besides, the article discusses the current limitations of CLT bound to several factors such as the lack of language proficiency, rigid curricula, and teachers’ misconceptions of CLT.

Phrasal Verbs in Learner English: A Corpus-based Study of Lithuanian and Polish Learners of English

Phrasal verbs, though very common in the English language, are acknowledged as difficult to acquire by non-native learners of English. The present study examines this issue focusing on two learner groups from different mother tongue backgrounds, i.e. Lithuanian and Polish advanced students of English. The analysis is conducted based on Granger’s (1996) Contrastive Interlanguage Analysis methodology, investigating the Lithuanian and Polish components of the International Corpus of Learner English, as well as the Louvain Corpus of Native English Essays. The results obtained in the study prove that both learner groups underuse phrasal verbs compared with native English speakers. It is concluded that this could be due to the learners’ limited repertoire of phrasal verbs as they employ significantly fewer phrasalverb types than native speakers. Furthermore, it is noticed that learners face similar stylistic, semantic and syntactic difficulties in the use of this language feature. In particular, the analysis shows that such errors might be caused by native language interference, as well as the inherent complexity of phrasal verbs. The present study not only helps to account for the challenges that are common to those language groups which lack phrasal verbs in their linguistic repository, but also provides insights into the understanding of advanced learner language.

Performance Differences on a Measure of Mathematics Vocabulary for English Learners and Non-English Learners with and without Mathematics Difficulty

The purpose of this study was to measure the mathematics-vocabulary performance of 3rd graders to determine if performance differences existed among English learners (ELs) and non-ELs with and without mathematics difficulty (MD). Using screening data from a large-scale intervention study, we categorized students into four groups based on equation solving and word-problem performance: no MD, equation difficulty, word-problem difficulty, or equation and word-problem difficulty. Within these four categories, we compared student performance between ELs and non-ELs. Results showed ELs scored lower than non-ELs across all groups. Both ELs and non-ELs with equation and word-problem difficulty demonstrated lower performance on the mathematics vocabulary measure than students with only equation difficulty or word-problem difficulty. Findings indicated ELs and students with MD have limited mathematics vocabulary knowledge and may require focused instruction on the language of mathematics.

The Impact of Vocabulary Depth and Breadth to the TOEFL Reading Subtest in IAIN Kediri

TOEFL has been provided as a standardized test to measure the English proficiency of non-native speakers. However, one thing should be considered that TOEFL is still a big challenge for non-native English learners, especially for EFL learners. This is one of the factors, related to how proficient the vocabulary knowledge which students have. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate to what extent the relation between vocabulary knowledge, breadth and depth, and TOEFL test, especially reading subtest session. Participants of this study were undergraduate English students who never took a TOEFL preparation course. To help analyze data, IBM SPSS 24 version with Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to make it more precise. The result of Spearman rank correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation among the variables. This result supports some previous studies focusing on the same topic.

Current Issues in Pronunciation Teaching to Non-Native Learners of English

Abstract Pronunciation plays an indisputable role in communication; even more so in communication between native and non-native speakers of English. The goals for pronunciation teaching have shifted from accent-free or native-like pronunciation to comprehensibility and teaching practices aimed at non-native English learners vary and are often based on teachers’ opinions rather than research findings. The paper aims to present the current topics in twenty selected research papers dealing with pronunciation teaching (teaching practices in the English language classrooms, selected segmental and suprasegmental features). The analysed papers indicate that a teacher’s good theoretical background can raise students’ awareness and the overall performance of pronunciation phenomena, whether at the segmental or the suprasegmental level. Students may benefit from different strategies applied to pronunciation learning, but traditional teaching methods are still prevalent in the contemporary English language classroom. The contribution presents partial results of the research project KEGA 001TTU-4/2019.

TEACHING ALPAHBET FOR NON NATIVE ENGLISH LEARNERS: A CASE STUDY OF FIRST GRADERS

Non-native English learners need time to learn English language since they just heard without knowing how to pronounce it correctly. This condition occurs in common Primary Schools because the students do not have foreign language background, at school as well as at home. The hidden curriculum focusing on students’ soft skills are not well administered as the school managements think that what they have to do in running the academic atmosphere is teaching well for their students. The first step in teaching English for young learners especially those who are non-native English learners is introducing English by getting to know it. Piaget’s child’s development contributes in helping teachers to know their student’s growth physically and mentally in order to help them learn better while they play different teacher’s roles. Piaget proves that cognitivism gives insight that is children’s develop through stages since they were born. First graders at their age is on the stage called preoperational with one of characteristics that is language development with the goal to create symbolic thought. One way to achieve this goal is by teaching alphabet for first graders.

Examining Sources and Mechanisms of Reading Comprehension Difficulties: Comparing English Learners and Non-English Learners within the Simple View of Reading.

In the present study, we compared the extent to which linguistic comprehension (vocabulary and listening comprehension) and word reading explain reading comprehension differentially for English learners (ELs) and non-ELs with reading difficulties, and we investigated whether different mechanisms of reading comprehension failure exist for each group. Using the simple view of reading as our framework, we tested a model in which vocabulary exerts a direct effect on reading comprehension and indirect effects through listening comprehension and word reading. Results from a multigroup structural equation model with a sample of 446 struggling fourth-grade readers (n = 229 for ELs; n = 211 for non-ELs) demonstrated both similarities and differences in the sources and mechanisms of reading comprehension difficulties for ELs and non-ELs with reading problems. Word reading was an important source of reading comprehension difficulty for both groups. For non-ELs, the effect of word reading was larger than the effects of linguistic comprehension (vocabulary and listening comprehension combined); however, for ELs, the effects of linguistic comprehension were greater than the effect of word reading. Vocabulary had indirect effects via both listening comprehension and word reading for ELs, but it demonstrated a direct effect on reading comprehension for non-ELs. These results suggest that developing a range of linguistic comprehension skills (e.g., word-level and sentence-level language skills) may be important for ELs with reading comprehension difficulties in the upper-elementary grades.

ENGLISH TEACHING INSTRUCTION FOR NON-ENGLISH LEARNERS

The quality of educational institutions is influenced by teaching and learning process that is students and lecturers. Novalita (2006) state that to learn a language the learners need more than just once or twice, but they need many time to understand the language, the real meaning of the language, the structure of the language, and so on. There is no good strategies in teaching process, but suitable strategy which is can be used in the teaching process. Therefore, every teacher or lecturer should master many strategies in the teaching and learning process. Some strategies can be applied to some students or learners, but it can’t be applied to all of students or learners. he goal of this study is to observe how the teacher implements English teaching instruction at English language center (PKPBI). Besides that, what are the material used and the way how teacher evaluates and also how do the learners perceive the English teaching instruction at English language center (PKPBI) of Maulana Malik Ibrahim state Islamic university of Malang. This study was a qualitative research because this study is a case study which focuses on teaching process. The data collections used in this study were observation, interview, and documentation. In order to analyze the data collected in the research project and answer the core questions of the study, it was used the grounded theory. The researcher found that the contents of the material used was reading section characterized by provision of an English reading text on mathematic-content-related area followed by writing exercises. The teacher implement English teaching instruction with the aim of answering the question, it can be concluded that for the beginning of teaching, there were a big amount of mistakes with the guidance and no explicit implementation of grammatical aspects during the lessons, because the teacher intents to present language items as in a regular language course. The balance between content and language was not easy to manage either, because in some situations the teacher tends to focus more in language or in content. The teacher evaluate by her choice of evaluation. She felt confused and scared at the beginning of the experience. About perceiving of the learners, the researcher concluded that the students feel challenging with the process of teaching and learning in the class, they also interesting with because they can continued applied what they learn. Key words: Teaching instruction, Non-English learners

ENGLISH TEACHING INSTRUCTION FOR NON-ENGLISH LEARNERS

The quality of educational institutions is influenced by teaching and learning process that is students and lecturers. Novalita (2006) state that to learn a language the learners need more than just once or twice, but they need many time to understand the language, the real meaning of the language, the structure of the language, and so on. There is no good strategies in teaching process, but suitable strategy which is can be used in the teaching process. Therefore, every teacher or lecturer should master many strategies in the teaching and learning process. Some strategies can be applied to some students or learners, but it can’t be applied to all of students or learners. he goal of this study is to observe how the teacher implements English teaching instruction at English language center (PKPBI). Besides that, what are the material used and the way how teacher evaluates and also how do the learners perceive the English teaching instruction at English language center (PKPBI) of Maulana Malik Ibrahim state Islamic university of Malang. This study was a qualitative research because this study is a case study which focuses on teaching process. The data collections used in this study were observation, interview, and documentation. In order to analyze the data collected in the research project and answer the core questions of the study, it was used the grounded theory. The researcher found that the contents of the material used was reading section characterized by provision of an English reading text on mathematic-content-related area followed by writing exercises. The teacher implement English teaching instruction with the aim of answering the question, it can be concluded that for the beginning of teaching, there were a big amount of mistakes with the guidance and no explicit implementation of grammatical aspects during the lessons, because the teacher intents to present language items as in a regular language course. The balance between content and language was not easy to manage either, because in some situations the teacher tends to focus more in language or in content. The teacher evaluate by her choice of evaluation. She felt confused and scared at the beginning of the experience. About perceiving of the learners, the researcher concluded that the students feel challenging with the process of teaching and learning in the class, they also interesting with because they can continued applied what they learn. Key words : Teaching instruction, Non-English learners

The Impact of Using Oraiapp.com on Improving Students' Speaking Skill for Non Native Speaker

The mass use of internet technology in school environment requires the innovative ways in teaching process. The new process of teaching can be created based on the need and the facilities available. Nowadays teachers and students are facilitated by internet connection which can be accessed anywhere and anytime. They can access any information and install any application on the internet. The ease of internet access helps us find a way to support our teaching process more efficient and effective. One application that can improve students’ speaking skill is oraiapp.com, this application facilitates teacher in teaching process, especially teaching speaking skill. Not only teacher but also students get benefit from this application. This research aims to describe the teaching process using oraiapp.com, and to identify the improvement of students’ speaking skill after using this application. The data analysed are taken from non-native English learners majoring English Language at Widyatama University. The results are those students speaking skill have significant improvement, particularly in their pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and they become more confident in presentational speaking and interpersonal speaking.

Studying Dictionary Use Among the Law Graduates in Pakistan: A Lexicographic Inquiry

Specialized Lexicography as it stands today owes much to the user’s centred approach while dictionary making. The present study empirically investigates the use of law dictionaries by the law graduates in Pakistan. The study has taken account of dictionary usage among the Pakistani law graduates within the framework of Function Theory of Lexicography. The study being descriptive qualitative research is placed within pragmatic paradigm. A sample of six hundred law students, who were non-native learners of English and learning this language in ESP context, was drawn and responses were recorded through data tools i.e., questionnaire, semi-structured protocols and observation as favoured in other studies of the similar nature mostly outside Pakistan. Data were analysed through SPSS and presented in tables and graphs. The analysis of qualitative data, however, is based on thematic approach. The study revealed that that existing law dictionaries do not cater to the decoding as well as encoding language needs of the learners although they were found more in need to consult lexicographical resources in law studies because of the complex nature of legal discourse. The study also revealed that the law graduates sadly lacked in awareness regarding both the right choice of law dictionaries best suited to address their potential needs and skills to exploit the dictionary (ies) in order to retrieve the required information successfully. They preferred to use monolingual, bilingual law dictionaries, general purpose dictionaries (hard copy and digital) along with the online resources as a good combination to solve their language problems. Moreover, their reference skills were found weak which may be improved through explicit instructions on dictionary use. The study is part of a doctoral research.

Applying a Computer-Assisted Tool for Semantic Analysis of Writing: Uses for STEM and ELL.

In addition to human, close reading of student text with rubrics for assessment, educators use nonhuman, distant computer-assisted tools to help quantitatively measure otherwise qualitative keywords to prevent bias in grading and help read beyond the sentence for underlying cognitions. We apply the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software tool to analyze different forms of student writing used in STEM education and research to assess writing of native English speakers and non-native English Language Learners (ELLs), including international students. Available in several languages, LIWC measures four summary variables, Analytical Thinking, Clout, Authentic, and Emotional Tone, to provide outputs as raw word counts, as percentages of words used relative to the text compared with a dictionary of words in categories and sub-dictionaries, and as scores correlating these words algorithmically based on a dictionary of terms associated with underlying meanings. This tool can help measure student personal reflective writing for underlying psychosocial indicators or the cognitive and analytical process in other science writing. By selecting key variables, or creating a personal dictionary, LIWC can be used to analyze scientific writing to detect progressive development of student analytical writing from early draft to final version for different informal and formal writing styles. We share methods, examples, and the potential for using LIWC measures of cognitive processes for different measures of student writing in science courses.

English as Lingua Franca: Exploring the Challenges and Opportunities of English Language on Vietnamese Graduate Student Learning

Aim/Purpose: In this study, we explored the learning experiences of graduate students enrolled at Vietnamese-German University (VGU), a transnational collaborative university that uses English as the language for instruction that is primarily conducted by German faculty. Background: Transnational education has gained in popularity across the globe, often with English serving as the common language, or lingua franca. However, English as lingua franca contributes to learning challenges as a result of English language dominance in academia. Methodology: Case study methodology was used to examine the learning experiences of graduate students at Vietnamese-German University, with the institution as the case and 24 participants as the unit of analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face which allowed for rich data. Contribution: Transnational education has gained significant attention in recent years, including how language may influence operations and motivations of institutions. However, few studies exist that examine English as lingua franca at transnational universities from the student perspective. The context of Vietnam is also important as Asia is a growing region for the establishment of transnational universities. Findings: Participants expressed that the primary reason they chose to attend VGU was because of its use of English as lingua franca. However, they experienced several challenges, particularly with technical jargon and an overall language barrier in the classroom. Participants navigated challenges with three strategies for learning: asking the professor questions, talking with peers, and using supplemental resources to understand unfamiliar concepts. Recommendations for Practitioners: Results from this study include implications for instructors to better meet the needs of non-native English learners in the classroom, such as supporting peer engagement, group work, and engaging in pedagogical training. Impact on Society: The findings from this study provides additional perspectives on how English as lingua franca allows for affordances and challenges for student learning at transnational universities in Vietnam. The results of this study could inform other transnational universities in Asia. Future Research: Recommendations for future research include examining English as lingua franca from the perspectives of instructors. Additional suggestions include longitudinal studies on the outcomes of graduates’ English language learning and how English language training contributed to their employment in the global sector.

International Arab Students Attitude towards Learning English

English is not more the language of few countries it has become an international phenomenon. Thats why many types of research all over the world are exploring the attitude of these non-native English learners towards it. The current study explores the attitude of Arab students (studding in Malaysia) towards learning English. This study adopted the methods of descriptive research design. In this approach, quantitative data from questionnaires of 49 respondents, Arab countries students studying at the University of Science Malaysia was collected. For data analysis, Pearson correlation and multiple recreations were conducted and it was found out that the Arab students with the attitude towards English had a significant correlation with English learning and importance and English language Policy of their country.

الاستراتيجيات المستخدمة من من العراقيين المتعلمين للغة الانكليزية في تحدد معاني العبارات الاصطلاحية الانكليزية

العبارات الاصطلاحية هي نوع من التعابير التي تتألف من أكثر من كلمة واحدة . وتكون مجازية بطعبيتها الى حد كبير وتستخدم بشكل واسع في اللغات. في الواقع ان مستوى التمكن من العبارات الاصطلاحية يعدا مؤشرا مهما على مدى البراعة اللغوية التي يمتلكها الشخص.
 وان الكثير من متعلمي اللغة الانكليزية غير الناطقين بها يبذلون قصارى جهدهم للتحدث باللغة الانكليزية بطلاقة وامتلاك مهارات المتحدثين باللغة الام , وهذا الامر اضافة الى امور اخرى يستلزم تمكن جيد من التعابير التي تتكون من اكثر من كلمة بشكل عام والعبارات الاصطلاحية بشكل خاص.
 وربما يكمن الجزء الاكثر صعوبة في تعلم العبارات الاصطلاحية لدراسي اللغة الانكليزية غير الناطقين بها في تعلم كلا المعنيين الحرفي والمجازي لهذه التعابير. تهدف الدراسة الحالية الى التعرف على الاستراتيجيات المستخدمة من قبل العراقيين المتعلمين للغة الانكليزية في تحديد معاني العبارات الاصطلاحية الانكليزية غير المألوفة.
 لتحقيق اهداف البحث الحالي , تم افتراض انه لا يوجد فرق ذو دلالة احصائية بين الطلبة المتعلمين للغة الانكليزية غير الناطقين بها بقدر ما يخص استراتيجيات استبيان التخمين.
 للتحقق من صلاحية هذه الفرضية فقد تم اختيار عينة من طلبة المرحلة الثانية في قسم اللغة الانكليزية (كلية التربية للعلوم الانسانية/ جامعة الموصل) خلال السنة الاكاديمية 2012-2013 . تكونت العينة من 39 طالب .
 وبما ان الدراسة الحالية تتطلب تهيئة اداتين, فقد قام الباحثان بتصميم استبيان لقياس مدى معرفة الطلبة بالعبارات الاصطلاحية واستبيان اخر لتحديد الاستراتيجيات التي يستخدمها الطلاب لاستنتاج معاني العبارات الاصطلاحية غير المألوفة .
 كشفت النتائج وجود فروقات ذات دلالة احصائية بين طلبة الجامعة المتعلمين للغة الانكليزية غير الناطقين بها بقدر ما يخص استراتيجيات التخمين. استنادا الى النتائج المستحصلة , تم تقديم من التوصيات والمقترحات.
 

Reading Skills in English using Jolly Phonics at a Chinese Primary School

This study investigates the viability of using a phonics programme for Primary One students who are studying at a National Type Chinese School in Sarawak, Malaysia. Jolly Phonics is a Synthetic Phonics Programme that is used to address common reading problems. In this study, Primary One students who learn Mandarin as their main language in school, while learning English and Malay Languages at the same time. The phonics consists of teaching reading with five skills, namely learning the letter sounds, letter formation, blending, segmenting and tricky words. 39 students participated in the study. Two groups were formed to compare performances between those who used the phonic programme and those who attended the regular English classes. Data was collected on pre and post-test achievements for both the experimental and control group. Findings revealed that the phonics programme did not significantly impact the students’ reading ability when compared with performances of those who attended regular lessons which used existing methods of teaching reading skills for English language learning at the Chinese medium school. 
 Keywords: Night reading ability; non-native English language learners; phonics; Chinese school; foreign language learning

Reading Needs Analysis of EFL Learners in the Saudi Context: Identifying Needs and Deficiencies

The aim of the current study is to do a reading needs analysis of preparatory-year students in the Saudi context. The scope is to identify the reading needs and deficiencies of EFL learners at King Abdulaziz University. The instrument used is a paper-based questionnaire that was distributed among the participants. A total of sixty-three female students participated in the study. The questionnaire is adapted from the needs analysis questionnaire for non-English learners (Gravatt, Richards & Lewis, 1997). Two open-ended questions were added in order to get in-depth data from the participants. The statistical analysis was utilized for the quantitative data via SPSS whereas the open-ended questions were analyzed thematically using NVivo. The results demonstrate that EFL learners in the Saudi context have deficiencies of some reading strategies such as reading speed and reading to respond critically. However, they do not have difficulties with general comprehension of reading texts and they are able to read slowly in order to understand the details of the text. Regarding preferences, they mostly like to read works of fiction such as stories or novels but they do not prefer to read long texts. Based on the findings, this study was able to draw a number of implications and propose several recommendations.