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Consideration of Age in L2 Attainment – Children, Adolescents and Adults
The idea of “earlier is better” is modified by the concept of a “Critical Period” in a person’s age during which language acquisition is optimal. It is controversial when applied to L2 acquisition (L2A). Evidence from a close examination of the studies relating age to L2A supports the proposition that there is a period in the learner’s age when L2 is acquired more proficiently in terms of the final language outcome or output.
A Study of English Writing by Native Chinese Freshmen : Teaching English Requires the Teaching of Culture(s)
This article presents a study of English academic writing by native Chinese speakers. It explores the interactive relationship of topic influence, individual (cultural) stance and text types in different cultural contexts. Specifically, it argues that topic is an essential element in writing.
Phonological Differences between Japanese and English: Several Potentially Problematic Areas of Pronunciation for Japanese ESL/EFL Learners
In light of the fact that L2 pronunciation errors are often caused by the transfer of well-established L1 sound systems, this paper examines some of the characteristic phonological differences between Japanese and English. Comparing segmental and suprasegmental aspects of both languages, this study also discusses several problematic areas of pronunciation for Japanese learners of English.
A Consideration of the Role of The Four Iddhipada and the Sutta in Teaching English in Thailand Today
This article discusses aspects of two 2,500-year-old eastern frameworks for learning, based on the teachings of the Buddha. They are the Four Iddhipada, a philosophy of principles and process in teaching and learning, and the Sutta, a Thai oral tradition that describes the habits of a scholar.
Preposition Pied-piping and Preposition Stranding Constructions in the Interlanguage Grammar of Iranian EFL Learners
Several studies of the interlanguage of L2 learners of English have evidenced an interim stage in the development of preposition pied-piping and preposition stranding when learners tend to omit the preposition in both interrogatives and relative clauses. The phenomenon generally referred to as null-prep has been controversially discussed in the literature.
The Current Status of English Education in Mongolia
This essay describes the developments of English language education in the People’s Republic of Mongolia since the country’s democratic revolution in 1990. Although the use of English in Mongolia has been thriving since this time, virtually no information about this phenomenon has been reported.
Keeping up with native speakers: The many and positive roles of repetition in the conversations of EFL learners
The paper examines one feature of communication strategies, allo-repetition (two-party repetition) in conversation. It explores the many roles of repetition through a study of informal dyadic conversations between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners from Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan, and native speakers of English.
Op Ed
Op Ed. From time to time we will present an Editorial Opinion written by one of the editorial staff or from selected submissions. The field of SLA is rapidly changing. New theories are emerging that call into question well tried and tested beliefs. This forum allows Opinions to freely explore this changing area of Academic […]
Roles of Cooperating Teachers and Practicum Supervisors and their Effect on EFL Student-Teachers’ Teaching Skills
This study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of three different practicum teaching and supervision methods based on the type of visits a student – teacher receives and the number of cooperating teachers they work with, in improving the practicum teaching English language student- teachers’ performance in teaching English.
Small Group Interaction Among Native English Speaking and Non-Native English Speaking Learners in a Teacher Training Context
This paper focuses on the problems faced by international students studying abroad at English speaking universities. In particular it looks at the difficulties Asian students have in small group work activities and offers some recommendations on how these can be overcome.
