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Assessing the Role of Selective Fossilization Hypothesis in Determining Fossilizable Phonetic Errors in Tunisian EFL Learners’ Oral Output
Get PDFFossilization is said to be a distinctive characteristic of second language (L2) learning (Selinker, 1972, 1996; Han, 2004). It is the most pervasive among adult L2 learners (Han and Odlin, 2006). This linguistic phenomenon has been characterized by cessation of learning, even though the learner is exposed to frequent input. Based on the findings of the MA dissertation of the first researcher which is about ‘phonetic fossilization’ and where she conducted a longitudinal study, Han’s Selective Fossilization Hypothesis (SFL) is used to analyze the obtained fossilized phonetic errors in relation to L1 markedness and L2 robustness with a particular focus on fossilized vowel sounds. This is an analytical model for identifying both acquisitional and fossilizable linguistic features based on learners’ first language (L1) markedness and second language (L2) robustness. The article first gives an overview of the theory of Interlanguage and the phenomenon of fossilization. Then, it introduces SFL. This is an attempt to study fossilization scientifically. In other words, it tests the predictive power of a developed L1 Markedness and L2 Robustness rating scale based on Han’s (2009) model. The present study has pedagogic implications; it is an opportunity to raise teachers’ awareness on this common linguistic phenomenon
The Relationship between the Reported Reading Anxiety Level and Reading Strategy Use of Iranian Elementary Level EFL Learners
Get PDFReading is an essential skill for second and foreign language learners. It is the heart of all formal learning. Students 'success or failure in reading at early grades resonates throughout the rest of their lives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between reading anxiety and reading strategy use of Iranian elementary level EFL learners. The participants of this study were fifty students with the age range of 14 to 28 years old, both from female and male of Iranian EFL elementary learners from Beynolmelal English language institute in Tehran. The research design of this study was quantitative. In order to collect data two basic instruments were administered to the participants. The first instrument was a questionnaire that was administered to investigate the participants’ level of reading anxiety. The second questionnaire was in addition used to examine the participants’ reading strategy use The first questionnaire was composed of 20 items which were rated by a five-point Likert scale, ranging from five-point (strongly agree) to one point (strongly disagree). The second questionnaire consisted of 30 items similarly rated on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from one point (I never or almost never do this) to five points (I always or almost always do this). The correlation coefficient between the reading anxiety and reading strategy use would be determined out with the assistance of IBM SPSS. The findings of this study would be expected to give valuable information to English teachers and material developers to recognize the elementary level learners’ anxiety level and improve their reading strategy use in language classes
English Language in Kuwait’s Educational System
Get PDFThe present study investigates the role of the English language in the educational system of Kuwait. Specifically, it explores the views of parents regarding the choice of their children’s education by focusing on the differences between school types, including Arabic-language public schools, Arabic-English bilingual schools, and private English-medium schools. It discusses such characteristics as affordability, quality of education, linguistic development, and the general requirements for education in a second language. The data collection includes a survey of Kuwaiti parents (N=77) and semi-structured interviews (N=6). Following the Bernstein model, the study examines the parental motivation behind school selection. The results show that English language proficiency is regarded as an important educational outcome regardless of the school type. Public schools are typically chosen for convenience, while bilingual and English-medium schools are associated with quality education, better English skills, and opportunities for study abroad. The results reveal that parents would change the type of education for their children if they could find a more suitable one. The study concludes by recommending a balanced-bilingual approach where Arabic continues to develop alongside English to strengthen the Arabic heritage while giving young Kuwaitis English skills valued in a global economy
Iraqi EFL Learner’ Conceptions of Status of English from a Linguistic Imperialism Perspective
Get PDFThere have so far been several studies which have investigated the attitudes of language learners and teachers towards the English language, and, specifically, towards linguistic imperialism. In the Iraqi ELT context, however, not much research has so far been conducted regarding this topic. The present study explored and examined the educated Iraqis’ conceptions of the status of English from a linguistic/cultural imperialism perspective. To this end, the data was collected in two phases. The first phase was the interview, which was conducted with 30 Iraqi students majoring in English at different levels of education to develop the questionnaire. The interview data were used as themes for the development of the questionnaire, which comprised the second phase of the research. The questionnaire was distributed among 105 participants to fill out; then, it was analysed by using AMOS and SPSS software. The findings of the study indicated that the mean for the participants’ responses in linguistic imperialism was 3.7, which implies that the participants somehow agreed with the questionnaire items that were related more with linguistic imperialism. Besides, the mean for the participants’ responses to the items constituting cultural dominance was 2.8, which is below the middle point and shows that the students disagreed with those items forming cultural dominance. Accordingly, it could be argued that the English language, along with its cultural values, has little effect on Iraqi EFL learners. It may be concluded that the English language ispreferred over other languages, but not over their mother tongue
What is the Role and Nature of Language and Language Development?
Get PDFIn this paper, the role and nature of language and language development will be discussed. Research and theory in second language acquisition has demonstrated that (i) language is an abstract, implicit and complex system. Input (ii) plays a key role in language development; despite the fact that some knowledge of language is innate (iii). Overall, language development (iv) is ordered and stage-like and instruction (v) has a limited role. Theoretical and pedagogical implications will be highlighted
More “Nudging” for Pro-environmental Behavior
Get PDFThe effects of global warming became aware for every one during the last years. Most of the scientists support the opinion that the partly rough changes in the climate and the pollution of the planet are closely related to the behavior of the peoples around the world. One could follow the track of Yvan Bourgon and support the idea to clean up the oceans with the help of boats (The sea cleaners“-project). Or one could stand behind the idea of Topher White to hang smartphones in endangered rainforest-trees to check if illegal deforestation is taking place (The rainforest connection). These attempts seem to be honorable and worthy to support, but it seems to be quiet symptom-oriented and not eradicating the real problem. One promising way that could have a formative influence on the behavior is not coming from a technical field but from Psychology. The human behavior itself is a meaningful research-topic in Psychology and so it is worthy to have a glance on the ideas that researchers have to influence the human behavior
Company Dividend Policy Models: Neutral Approach
Get PDFThe article treats a concept of the formalized modeling of the dividend policy scores and company marketing performance scores derived (stock market position) within neutral dividend policy implementation approach conditions as an instrument of the scores analysis and forecasting. The methodology of the research consists of the Dividend Irrelevance theory, Dividend Policy Significance theory and sustainable company development concept. It has been stated that a formalized approach of the dividend policy implementation presumes a construction of the basic relevant scores models characterizing the company dividend policy and its marketing performance as Dividend Payout, Dividend Cover, expected Share Price, Dividend Yield, Price / Earnings Ratio (common stock price/earnings ratio). The formalized models of the scores mentioned are applicable for a forecast-analytical scores evaluation and their variances as well by estimating an impact of the models defining factors exercised by the appropriate factoring analysis method within the neutral dividend policy implementation approach conditions. The conclusion is drawn, that the formalized models of the dividend policy scores and company marketing performance scores derived, having been developed, are an effective instrument for their forecasting and analysis so that proactive decisions to manage the company dividend policy implementation within neutral approach conditions are ensured
The New Approach for Risk Regulation in Banks
Get PDFThe purpose of this report is to present the necessity of proceeding to new reforms in bank regulation and to increase the stability and risk sensitivity of the capital base under applying the Standardised Credit Risk Assessment Approach (SCRA) in banks. The dynamics in the bank regulation and supervision of credit risk assessment approaches are explored. In the paper, a thorough theoretical-methodological and historical-logical analysis was made of the evolution of the development and chronology of the global regulatory frameworks for banks - Basel 1, Basel 2 and Basel 3. The contemporary projections and challenges for the banks' management under the new regulatory and institutional changes are presented. The SCRA is a positive asset in bank capital regulation in contemporary banking. The revisions to the regulatory framework – Basel 3 by is a long continuous process influenced by numerous economic, social and political factors. The preparation of the Bulgarian banking system for a new reform of financial regulation is analyzed. The need for adoption of a new risk-based approach for capital assessment and the importance of transparency in bank financial reporting is proved
Assisting Learners in Orchestrating their Inner Voice for L2 Learning
Get PDFIn our L1 the person we talk to more than anybody else each day is ourself. We talk to ourselves all the time using our inner voice, both during our waking hours and in our dreams. We do so in order to make sense of the world, to understand what we see, read and hear, to comment and evaluate, to make decisions, to support ourselves, to entertain ourselves, to control our emotions, to decide and rehearse what to say or write. Without using our inner voice we would be much less capable of interacting with the world and with other people. For example, right now I am using my inner voice to dictate to my fingers what to type and then I am using it to read and comment on what I have just typed. How would I do that without my inner voice
Customer Engagement: The Next Frontier for the Marketers
Get PDFCustomer engagement is emerging as next frontier for the marketers as there is imperative to go beyond communication and persuasion to customer experience and immersion. In fact, customer engagement is being touted as the prime functions of the Marketing. India with eclectic culture, having tech savvy, demanding urban customers on one extreme and customers deprived of good products and services in media dark places, provides unique marketing communication challenges to the marketers. Digital medium is being increasingly used for customer engagement for sharing, co-creation, problem solving, and participation, etc. This paper examines customer engagement strategies by brands involving usage of traditional media, digital media and sales promotion and events. Some of the campaigns include (Lifebuoy se haath dhoye kya?”, The Tata Mumbai Marathon, Surf Excel ‘Haar ko harao’, Kurkure Family express, Pepsi emoji campaign, etc. to name a few. Also, the present paper attempts to examine the customer perception and understand key dimensions using multiplecorrespondence analysis. The study found that brands are using excitement, education exhorting, co –creating, problem solving, etc., as various modes of engagement.