The Linguistic Consequences of Digital Technology on the Learning of English in the Senegalese University Environment: The case of the SMS (Published)
The present work is devoted to the analysis of the linguistic consequences of digital technology in the learning of the English language in a university environment. In other words, this article talks about the linguistic consequences of SMS on the learning of English in a context dominated by the implementation, by the State of Senegal, of the “Digital Senegal” strategy and the concretization of certain programs in building an “inclusive digital society”, in order to promote a learning society. SMS (Short Message Service) is a method of communication that allows short messages to be sent by telephone, computer or other mobile devices. Thus, this work aims to analyze the grammatical, morphological and orthographic consequences of this method of communication on the learning of English at university. However, to collect data in order to develop a corpus, process it and analyze it to end up with results, research, interviews, exchanges by SMS, etc. have been done. And these approaches have allowed us to point out that SMS have a negative impact on learning English and on the writing of educational and administrative documents at the grammatical, morphological, orthographic, etc. levels. Nevertheless, we have also noticed that for some, the great majority of the “errors” or “mistakes” present in the written discourse are not the result of a lack of knowledge of the norm or a lack of interest on the part of the speakers, but rather the mark of an underlying structure.
Keywords: Language, Learning, Linguistics, communication, consequence
Improving Saudi EFL Students’ Aural Oral Skills (Published)
Aural and oral skills are the skills that enable EFL learners to perform meaningful communication and classroom interaction. Some of EFL Saudi learners avoid to practicing oral aural skills in the L2 and most of the time they exhibit a passive attitude in class. The problem of oral skills can be attributed to a variety of interrelated factors ranging from learner-cultural background and the teaching styles. In many EFL classes the aural oral skills have been somewhat neglected or poorly taught. Motivated learners create a motivated and suitable atmosphere for learning the language in their classroom dealing with challenges, concentrating on the aural oral complex tasks at hand, and stimulating others in the classroom. The implementation of (ICT) in the educational environment especially in the teaching and learning of foreign languages provided language teachers and learners with authentic input through the use computer to enhance EFL learners’ aural and oral skills.
Citation: Wijdan Siddig EL-Khalifh Mohammed and Rawan Muhy (2021) Improving Saudi EFL Students’ Aural Oral Skills, International Journal of English Language and Linguistics Research, Vol.9, No 7, pp.19-31
Keywords: Aural, attitude, avoid, communication, neglecte, perform
Willingness to Communicate In Kuwaiti EFL Classroom Settings (Published)
The present study investigates the variables that are believed to influence learners’ in-class Willingness to Communicate (WTC). A total of 247 EFL undergraduate students participated in the study, who were studying in two colleges in Kuwait. The study was conducted with a quantitative research design by using a modified questionnaire to measure the Instructional Willingness to Communicate (IWTC). The adapted questionnaire, which was developed by Khatib & Nourzadah (2015), comprises six IWTC components containing 27 items. The data for each component was presented and followed by a detailed descriptive analysis. The findings revealed that learners’ willingness or unwillingness to communicate is made up of specific influencing variables in several situations within the classroom. The study sheds light on the role of the EFL classroom environment on learners’ communication behaviours. Discussing the results provided some pedagogical implications for language teachers and program designers. Suggestions for further research were provided.
Keywords: Classroom Interaction, EFL, Speaking, WTC, communication
The Impact of Using Computers on Enhancing EFL Writing Quality: A Case Study of Muheydeen Wahbe Secondary School for Girls – Sudan (Published)
This study investigated the impact of using computers on enhancing EFL writing and learners’ attitudes towards using computers to compose in EFL classrooms. A set of writing tests (two pen-paper based compositions and tow computer-based ones) were administered to thirty pupils from Muheydeen Wahbe Secondary School for Girls to investigate the impact of using computers on enhancing EFL writing quality. The participants also responded to a questionnaire that investigated the use of computers in EFL writing classrooms. The data of the study were analyzed using SPSS. The findings have shown that the participants made use of the facilities provided by the computer; their computer-based writings were significantly better compared to their pen-paper ones in all the aspects of writing such as organization, language use, mechanics and length, except the content. The results have also revealed that the students were highly motivated when computers were used. Given the positive results of the study, it has been recommended that the use of computers in EFL writing classes should be encouraged and that English language teachers should be trained on using computers and technology in EFL classrooms, particularly, in writing classes.
Keywords: EFL writing, Learners‟ attitudes, Word Processor, communication, writing quality
Road Signs as Linguistic Landscape in Nigeria: A Semiotic Communication (Published)
The term ‘sign’ as used in this work, in relation to road architecture, refers to the nonlinguistic symbols used as linguistic landscape to communicate intended information in form of instructions, warnings, directions, etc. to road users. The study of signs in semiotics is all encompassing, involving the inference of meaning from signs and symbols using interpersonal, cultural, contextual and personal experience. Semiotics’ preoccupation is the study of all that can be taken as sign. It is noted that in spite of the use of the road signs in the Nigerian cities and suburbs, many road mishap are still being recorded. This study, guided by semiotics principles, and using gestalt theory of visual perception, examines the communicative effectiveness of road signs in Nigeria, using Akure metropolis as case study. Thus, the paper examines the effectiveness of road signs as linguistic landscape (information agent) for road users in Nigeria using the Akure metropolis in Ondo State as the case study. Through a survey research method, the study, interviewed 260 respondents who were mainly made up of: commercial drivers, private drivers and pedestrians in order to obtain their opinions, attitudes, feelings and dispositions towards road signs as linguistic landscape. The study reveals that most road accidents were due to the flagrant disobedience of the road and traffic signs by the motorists and pedestrians. The incessant road mishap calls for serious questions on the effectiveness of the road signs as a vehicle of information dissemination to road users.
Keywords: Highway Code, Linguistic Landscape, Road Architecture, Road Signs, Signs., communication
English Arabic Cultural Effect in Translation: A Relevance Theory Perspective (Published)
This study is framed within a competence-oriented model which provides the target text (TT) receiver with communicative clues. These clues allow inference to be optimally captured. Hence, this approach looks at translation as an example of communication mainly based on the cost and effect model of inferencing and interpretations. Strategies adopted in this paper are determined by context-specific consideration of relevance, with special reference to cultural aspects. Applied to translation, one of the most appropriate strategies is to re-produce the cognitive effect intended by the source text (ST) communicator with the lowest possible effort on the part of the TT receiver. This study concludes that when there is a lack of isomorphism or symmetry between the cultural contents of the two languages, the translator will have to opt for content-cognitive effect or cultural transplantation. The translator would have to assess the relevance of content and form in a specific context in order to achieve the same effect in the TT. It has been emphasized, however, that translation as a special instance of human communication leads to the conclusion that various methods may be justified in their own right, if we take into consideration the differences in the text-types, the intention of the author, readership, and the purpose of translation. In a nutshell, however, translation remains a craft which requires not just training and skill but also continually renewed linguistic and non-linguistic knowledge, considerable imagination as well as intelligence and common sense, and most of all talent
Keywords: Cultural Effect, Relevance, communication, translation
Linguistic Devices in Media Discourse: A Case Study (Published)
Language is used creatively to enhance communication and critically evoke deep thoughts. It is a systematic resource which is powerful and active. Sometimes, the intrinsic power of language is often neglected by non linguists. Some are not conscious of the power of language which influences attitudes and promotes critical thinking. Others fail to realize that convictions are shaped by language. The study, therefore, examines the linguistic devices and styles in media discourse which are used to stake claims to knowledge, to influence attitudes and to promote critical thinking. Excerpts culled from different newspaper editorials are used to explore the linguistic devices and styles. Then, with Systemic Functional Linguistics complemented with Van Dijk’s theory of media discourse as models of analysis, it is observed that linguistic devices such as modality, evaluative adjectives, adverbs, generic phrases, rhetoric and idioms are used to state opinions, make predictions and influence attitudes. Furthermore, the linguistic devices evoke critical thinking, state different angles of possibilities, portray different shades of attitudes and judgments. The study concludes that the linguistic devices in the newspaper editorials shape and reshape attitudes and assess the potentiality of the state of affairs in the society. Hence, there is an intrinsic power in language to influence attitudes.
Keywords: Language, Linguistic Device, Media, communication