Linguistic Forum (LinFo) (E-Journal)
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Can One be More Proficient in L2 than in L1: The Effect of Orthography on the Literacy Skills of Children
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to assess and compare the reading and writing proficiency in English (L2) and Urdu (L1), and to examine the correlation between these literacy skills in grade 4 students. The findings show that students experience more difficulties with Urdu, their native language, as opposed to English. A significant correlation was identified across key literacy skills, including reading and spelling in both languages. The study emphasizes the need for personalized educational strategies to support children learning languages with unique and complex orthographies. It reinforces the concept of shared cognitive mechanisms that facilitate both L1 and L2 acquisition. The results have important implications for language teachers and educators, suggesting the adoption of specialized strategies to enhance literacy skills. Specifically, there is a call for the development and implementation of effective teaching methodologies to better support students struggling with the complexities of the Urdu orthography
The Relationship Between Grammatical Knowledge and Argumentative Essay Writing Proficiency Among IELTS Test Takers in Pakistan
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between grammatical knowledge and argumentative essay writing proficiency among IELTS test takers in Pakistan. Specifically, the study aimed to determine whether grammatical knowledge played a role in improving students' writing proficiency or not. To collect data, the researcher employed three instruments: a prompt for argumentative essay writing, a scoring rubric based on IELTS band descriptors, and a set of grammatical knowledge items developed by the researcher. A total of 131 students from various IELTS institutes in Pakistan were selected, including 86 males and 45 females. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, utilizing Pearson Product-Moment analysis to calculate the correlation between grammatical knowledge and argumentative essay writing proficiency. The results of the study suggest that there is no significant relationship between grammatical knowledge scores and argumentative essay writing proficiency (p =.002>0.05).
 
A Comparative Analysis of Vocabulary Development Strategies: A Dual Coding View of Pakistani ESL Learners
Get PDFThis study aims to identify the most effective strategy for learning second language (L2) vocabulary, comparing traditional and audiovisual approaches. Additionally, the study examines quick and easy methods for learning L2 vocabulary, as well as Pakistani teachers' attitudes toward the use of audiovisual aids in English as a second language (ESL) classroom. To accomplish these goals, a quantitative research design was utilized. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in three government schools in the Sargodha district, involving 160 10th-grade students. Pre, post, and delayed post-tests were administered to measure the effectiveness and consistency of audiovisual aids. Additionally, data were collected from 50 high school English teachers through questionnaires, which were analyzed using SPSS-26 software, to explore their opinions and attitudes towards different L2 vocabulary development strategies. The study underscores the importance of dual coding, as outlined in Paivio's (1990) theory, for the recognition and retention of L2 vocabulary items in learners' long-term memory. The study also highlights the importance of incorporating technology-based learning into teaching practices. Ultimately, the study concludes that audiovisual aid strategies are more effective than traditional grammar-translation method (GTM) strategies for developing L2 vocabulary.
 
Dissecting Banking Websites: Genre Analysis of Design, Structure, and Organization for Customer-Centric Objectives
Get PDFThe current practice of organizations establishing their websites has brought website genre analysis to the forefront in various academic and professional settings, aiming to formulate language usage guidelines. Within the domain of website genres, this study addresses a gap: the lack of research on banking websites from a genre perspective. Thus, the study seeks to investigate Pakistani banks' websites to analyze how these banks organize, design, and structure their websites to fulfill diverse customer-centric and institutional purposes and objectives. Given the focus on the design and structure of banking websites, a qualitative approach is employed for data collection and analysis. Five Pakistani banking websites were selected for data collection, with screenshots taken using the snipping tool to capture various sections of the homepages and sub-pages. The theoretical frameworks of Bhatia (1997) and Swales (1990) in genre analysis guide the understanding, analysis, and interpretation of the data. The study's analysis reveals that banking websites articulate multiple credibility appeals, utilize various visual cues and images, employ formal language, and incorporate diverse interactive techniques to enhance the reliability and user-friendliness of their websites. Consequently, this approach aims to cultivate a positive image of the banks in the minds of customers. Banks construct their websites with careful consideration of potential customers and the predefined purposes they seek to achieve. The findings of this study can serve as valuable insights for banking institutions to improve customer engagement, establish trust, and enhance user satisfaction. In conclusion, this study not only unveils the intricacies of banking websites but also sets the stage for future research. By incorporating insights from this study, banking institutions can create websites that are truly customer-centric and aligned with their objectives
Reviewing the Sociolinguistic and Academic Landscape of World Englishes Instruction in Pakistan
Get PDFThis research investigates the challenges faced by Pakistani English language educators, shedding light on the limitations of traditional teaching methods in Pakistan, which primarily emphasize rote grammatical memorization and have faced criticism for their ineffectiveness in producing proficient English speakers. The study advocates for a shift towards more communicative and engaging pedagogical approaches in line with the principles of World Englishes and the unique dynamics of Pakistani English. The study identifies a multitude of challenges confronting English educators in Pakistan. Notable obstacles include the inadequacy of teaching resources, the prevalence of popular resistance to English language instruction, and the intricate issues surrounding the effective implementation of the curriculum. The entrenched use of traditional methods further compounds the difficulties faced in transitioning to modern educational paradigms. The implications of these findings extend to curriculum planners and policymakers. To address the existing gaps in English language education, it is imperative to promote proficiency not only in Standard English but also in Pakistani English, recognizing the latter as a significant dialect within the realm of World Englishes. Furthermore, the research recommends the integration of a dedicated World Englishes course to enable students to comprehend the nuances of linguistic diversity. Such initiatives should align English-language education in Pakistan with international standards, contributing to the enhancement of the nation's language policies. By addressing these challenges, we can empower students in Pakistan to learn regional English varieties, fostering pride in their linguistic and cultural heritage. This approach also helps normalize language variation and acceptance. The research proactively addresses issues related to the supply of teaching resources, teacher training, and the cultivation of public support to enhance language education. The cumulative effect of these efforts promises to elevate language instruction, nurture cultural pride, and celebrate the richness of linguistic diversity in Pakistan
Taxis and Logico-semantic Relations in AI-Generated Vs. Human-Written Argumentative Essays: A Comparative Study
Get PDFIn recent times, the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made a significant and far-reaching impact across various aspects of human life, with academia being no exception. One noteworthy emergence in this field is OpenAI's ChatGPT, an AI-driven language model that adeptly generates comprehensive text in accordance with user requirements. This research endeavors to delve into the parallels and distinctions existing between AI-generated argumentative essays and those crafted by human hands. This examination revolves around their underlying logical meta-functions. To achieve this objective, the study employs the System of Clause Complexes, encompassing taxis and logico-semantic relationships (as outlined by Halliday & Matthiessen in 2014), as the foundational theoretical framework. Furthermore, the research gathers a set of 10 argumentative essays each, generated by ChatGPT, composed by proficient English-native users, and authored by ESL learners. These collected essays are subsequently subjected to annotation, a task facilitated by the utilization of the UAM tool. The findings that emerge shed light on notable disparities. AI-generated argumentative essays prominently exhibit a higher proportion of clause complexes, paratactic structures, and positive additive relationships when compared to their human-written counterparts. Conversely, certain elements such as variation, alternation, and conditional relationships are conspicuously absent in AI-generated essays, whereas humans adeptly employ these elements in constructing their arguments. This discovery imparts crucial insights to the creators of AI, offering a deeper understanding of both its limitations and advancements. Moreover, it also holds relevance for English language educators and learners, who can draw upon these findings to enhance their understanding of the nuances and distinctions between AI-generated and human-crafted argumentative essays
A Corpus-Based Analysis of Cohesion and Coherence in IELTS Test Essays in Pakistan
Get PDFThis study investigates the challenges faced by Pakistani candidates in achieving higher scores in IELTS test essays, with a particular focus on cohesion and coherence. Observations reveal notable difficulties in structuring and connecting ideas within essays, impacting overall IELTS scores. The research aims to identify linguistic patterns influencing cohesion and coherence, understand specific challenges encountered by Pakistani test-takers, and propose targeted pedagogical approaches for English language instruction in Pakistan. The analysis, based on a mixed-method approach and corpus-based analysis, highlights the prevalence of repetition, challenges with adverbs and prepositional phrases, and the need for vocabulary diversification. Recommendations include vocabulary enhancement workshops, grammar exercises, and explicit referencing instruction. The study concludes with the anticipation that its insights will positively influence English language education and assessment practices, benefiting both educators and test-takers in their pursuit of linguistic proficiency for the IELTS examination
Effect of Research Design on Distribution of Prototypical Participant-Oriented Lexical Bundles: A Corpus-Based Study of Quantitative Research Articles
Get PDFThis study aims to evaluate Prototypical Participant-Oriented Lexical Bundles (PPOLBs) in quantitative research articles to discern potential variations between correlational and experimental research designs. The selection of PPOLBs for this investigation aligns with the taxonomy of functional categories developed by Hyland (2008a) and later refined by Salazar (2014) in terms of prototypicality. The study encompasses five major disciplines, 11 subjects, and a total of 2576 research articles. Data distribution is stratified based on research design, journal impact factors, and article sections. The AntConc program was employed to retrieve the frequency of PPOLBs. Initially, a 3-factor MANOVA was used to explore the effects of research design on the distribution of PPOLBs; however, due to the absence of normal distribution, the analysis transitioned to the Kruskal-Wallis H Test. Among the three categories, only STNC_LBs exhibited a statistically significant difference (2(1) = 11.489, p = 0.01), while ACK_LBs and the other subcategory displayed no notable variations. The findings of this study aim to equip second language students with insights into the effective use of linguistic elements based on registers and proficient writing
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Macro Structures in Speeches of President Bush and President Obama
Get PDFThis study aimed to analyze the strategic construction of discourse in the speeches of President Bush and President Obama, with a focus on identifying linguistic devices and discursive practices used to legitimize their war strategies. A qualitative approach was employed, and data were collected from six selected speeches delivered by Bush and Obama between 2001 and 2013 concerning the War on Terrorism. Data analysis and interpretation utilized Huckin's analytical toolkit (1997), focusing on a macro-level analysis of the speeches. The findings revealed that while Bush and Obama employed many similar linguistic devices and techniques, there were significant differences in their application. These differences pointed to shifts in their strategies for addressing the War on Terror. Bush's language appeared more aggressive compared to Obama's. The study's results may inspire future researchers to investigate the speeches of Pakistani politicians, exploring linguistic strategies for manipulation through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA)
An Analysis of the Positive Effects of Intra-Sentential Code Switching at Graduate Level in Public Colleges of District Kasur
Get PDFIn a linguistically diverse landscape, code-switching has become a common linguistic phenomenon occurring frequently in Pakistani classrooms during the teaching and learning processes. Consequently, the current study delves into the intricate realm of intra-sentential code-switching. It expounds upon the positive impacts of intra-sentential code-switching and its constructive role in comprehending new concepts and text vocabulary within the Pakistani educational context. The review aims to shed light on how intra-sentential code-switching benefits learners and is employed by English teachers during lectures in the context of second language learning. To accomplish this objective, a quantitative approach has been adopted. The researcher designed an attitudinal test questionnaire based on the Likert Scale (1932), comprising 20 close-ended questions. Respondents for this questionnaire include intermediate-level students from various public colleges in District Kasur. The collected data is analyzed using SPSS (15.0) to investigate the positive effects of code-switching in the teaching and learning process. The study's findings disclose that intra-sentential code-switching serves as an effective tool for students in the acquisition of new concepts and vocabulary, fostering confidence and enhancing communication motivation in L2 learning. Furthermore, teachers consider it a potent means of creating an inclusive environment in Pakistani classrooms. However, this study recognizes the necessity of a well-balanced strategy in which the preservation of linguistic diversity aligns with educational objectives. Within the unique context of District Kasur, it underscores the subtle significance of code-switching in graduate-level education and offers practical insights for educators and policymakers seeking to maximize the advantages of linguistic diversity within the classroom