Journal of Language and Pragmatics Studies

A closer look on Filipino ESL teachers’ best practices: A basis for a multiculturally responsive and eclectic teaching approach

Rodolfo P. Dizon Jr, Lusisito M. Nanquil — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

English as a Second Language teaching in the Philippines has become popular worldwide, particularly among Asian students. This is a strong indicator that Filipino teachers are able to facilitate effective teaching-learning process amidst the presence of multilingualism and multiculturalism. Banking on this premise, this paper attempted to explore on the best practices of ESL teachers employ in promoting the macro skills among their culturally diverse students. To achieve this objective, a general qualitative inquiry design using a validated structured interview guide served as the primary data collection tool. The study had 8 Filipino ESL teachers who were purposively chosen following criteria set by the researcher. Results showed that the teachers purposely differentiate their approaches depending on the levels, cultural background, learning styles, and preferences of the students. Moreover, these approaches are generally aligned with the aim of scaffolding the students to improve their English language proficiency. Some of these include role-playing, essay writing, book reports, modeling, sentence diagramming, and the like. These results are congruent with the three approaches Martin (2014) claim namely Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT). From these findings, the researcher framed the significance of a multiculturally responsive and eclectic teaching approach. Multiculturalism is found to be a significant factor in the ESL classrooms as it can create an inclusive a classroom atmosphere which can promote successful acquisition and learning of the English language.

The needs of graduates required by the employment industries: analysis of English language speaking course outlines at Pakistani universities

Sadia Ayub, Badriah Khaleel — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Since a syllabus is an essential teaching tool, it should contain relevant content and a well-organized curriculum based on practical skills needed at the workplace. Proficiency in spoken English can unlock a wealth of international career prospects. Despite the Higher Education Commission's efforts to improve the educational landscape, elevated levels of joblessness are hampering advancement. The primary goal of this qualitative study was to examine the functional English-speaking course outline at the BS level in private and public Pakistani universities. English language course outlines (communication and presentation skills) were collected from various private and public universities that were conveniently available to the researcher. Data from employed graduates was collected through purposive sampling techniques. Additionally, data was collected from 10 recently employed graduates through a questionnaire to explore the job needs of BS English language students in Pakistan. As the research was qualitative, data was collected using a purposive sampling technique. For reliability, the research questionnaire was validated by three subject matter experts. The syllabi need to be presented more coherently and meet most of the ideal syllabus's requirements. The English language speaking course outlines were found to focus on grammar and give little attention to speaking skills required for the workplace. The study recommends creating an efficient speaking skills-based English language course outline at the BS level for both HEC and university authorities based on the survey data collected from recently employed graduates.

Bridging the gap between theory and implementation: National language policy and documentation of mother tongue

Emmanuel lucas Nwachukwu, Christopher Joseph — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Language is an essential aspect of identity and culture, playing a significant role in shaping a nation's socio-political landscape. This is why nations are continuously making effort to preserve their indigenous languages. This paper investigates the grey area of theory and implementation of the national language policy in the preservation, revitalization, documentation of mother tongue. It discusses the challenges such as lack of adequate instructional materials and qualified teachers in indigenous language, facing indigenous languages in Nigeria and how the implementation of language national language policy can promote mother tongue revitalization beyond the classroom. The paper adopts Language ecology model and David Crystal's theory of language revitalization to investigate the study. The paper adopts descriptive analysis methodology, which will use current and historical data to identify gaps in the study. The paper concludes that bridging the gap between theory and implementation of national language policy in Nigeria is a complex but a necessary and essential national task that involves the government allocating resources to produce adequate instructional materials and training teachers to be qualified in teaching indigenous languages. Also government and stakeholders should intensify efforts outside the classroom, preserving mother tongue and revitalizing endangered languages requires a multifaceted approach that extends well beyond the classroom, which involves fostering a cultural environment where the language is valued and used in daily life, creating intergenerational connections, leveraging technology and documenting linguistic resources.

The role of gamification-based learning on prospective teacher’s lower order thinking abilities

Mujeebur Rahim; Lubna Ali Mohammed; Ijaz Ahmad Tatlah — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Gamification has proved to be a highly effective educational technique for the twenty-first century. The study aims to explore the role of gamification-based learning on prospective teachers' lower-order cognitive abilities. This study used a qualitative exploratory research design, a literature review, and interviews. In order to investigate the function of gamification-based learning in prospective teachers' academic achievement covering lower-order cognitive abilities, the most recent research studies were reviewed, and a telephone interview was conducted with 12 participants. Purposive sampling was utilized to select a sample for the study. The interview data collected from prospective instructors was analyzed using thematic analysis. The literature review findings indicate that gamification-based learning contributes positively to educational success. No in-depth research has determined whether gamification-based learning practices can enhance students' academic performance in lower-order thinking skills. In addition, the main findings from the study's primary source, such as the interview with Kahoot-familiar trainee instructors, indicate that Kahoot-based gamification may provide opportunities to utilize lower-order thinking skills. It is also beneficial to enhance the lower-order cognitive abilities of prospective teachers by providing a competitive environment and immediate constructive feedback in a comfortable and enjoyable setting. Gamification-based learning can improve students' lower-order cognitive abilities. For the generalizability and authenticity of this exploratory study's findings, it is recommended to conduct an experimental study.

How enjoyment affects English acquisition and anxiety for university students: An analytical study

Shahzad Dilshad Khan, Lubna Ali Mohammed, Muhammad Mustafa — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

One of the main aims of foreign language (FL) teaching is to prepare students to speak the target language. Therefore, teachers need to help students develop communication skills. However, this ability only sometimes leads to theforeign language anxiety (FLA). The study aims to analyze the counter-effect of enjoyment of a foreign language (FLE) on the relationship between anxiety and the acquisition of English as a foreign language among university students. A quantitative research method is used to identify the relationship between foreign languages and anxiety. The expected results shown negative impact of enjoyment of a foreign language on anxiety, a negative impact of acquiring a foreign language(AFL) on anxiety, and a positive relationship between FLE and efficiency. The expected findings posited that anxiety is a negative emotion in psychology as it destroys students’ mental health to learn a foreign language. On the other hand, positive emotions contribute to student well-being and increase student motivation and the learning language process.

Analysing the slogan "LUBER" in Indonesia's 2024 general election: A critical discourse analysis

Majid Wajdi, Asrumi Asrumi — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The year 2024 marks a crucial moment for Indonesia as the nation prepares for its five-yearly general election to elect a new president. At the forefront of this electoral process is the distinctive slogan “LUBER,” representing the principles of Langsung (Direct), Umum (Public), Bebas (Free), and Rahasia (Secret). This study seeks to explore into the form, function, and meaning of the “LUBER” slogan, aiming to unravel its significance in the socio-political landscape of Indonesia. The primary purpose of this research is to dissect the “LUBER” slogan, examining its linguistic and rhetorical features, its intended functions within the electoral context, and the underlying meanings it conveys to the Indonesian electorate. By undertaking this analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the slogan operates as a discourse tool in shaping public perception and participation in the upcoming general election. The study employs a two-fold methodological approach, incorporating document study and critical discourse analysis (CDA). Document study involves a comprehensive review of official election materials, speeches, and campaign documents, while CDA focuses on dissecting the language, rhetoric, and discursive strategies employed in the “LUBER” slogan. The analysis reveals that the “LUBER” slogan strategically combines linguistic elements to convey a message of transparency, inclusivity, freedom, and confidentiality in the electoral process. Through CDA, we uncover how the slogan operates as a powerful discourse tool, influencing public opinion and fostering a sense of civic responsibility. Additionally, the study identifies subtle nuances in the language used, shedding light on the socio-political implications of the “LUBER” slogan.
In conclusion, the “LUBER” slogan serves as a multifaceted discourse tool in Indonesia’s 2024 general election, embodying the principles of transparency and democratic values. The linguistic and rhetorical features of the slogan play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and encouraging active civic participation. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of political discourse in shaping electoral processes and underscores the importance of linguistic analysis in decoding the complexities of political communication.