Testing the Four Basic Language Skills in the English Language Component of the Mature Students' Entrance Examinations: The Case of Six Ghanaian Universities

This study focused on the Mature Students’ Entrance Examinations (MSEE) which is a commonly used Ghanaian university placement examination. The fundamental aim was to evaluate the comprehensiveness of the English language component of the examination in the area of the four basic language skills (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening) tested. A second objective of the study was to explore the reasons behind the choices of the basic language skills tested in the MSEE. The multiple case study design was employed for this study, and the sources of data used were responses from in-depth interviews and the past questions. The data were subjected to analysis via thematic content analysis and document analysis respectively. The analysis highlights the specific contents of the past questions and their related basic language skills tested, as well as the reasons underlying the basic language skills tested. The results revealed that only two of the basic language skills (Reading and Writing) were tested, and time limitations and logistical challenges informed lecturers’ decisions not to test Speaking and Listening. The study recommends that Listening and Speaking tasks be incorporated into the examination to make it comprehensive. Received: 2 September 2021 / Accepted: 16 November 2021 / Published: 5 January 2022

A Comparative Study of Dari Persian and English Language Consonant Sounds

This research article compares the consonant sounds of English and Dari Persian language in terms of state of larynx, place and manner of articulation. This research article aims to determine similarities and differences between the consonant systems of English and Dari Persian language which can be useful for teachers and learners of both languages, especially in listening and speaking skills. In this research article, the qualitative method has been used to find similar and different consonant sounds. In this research article, it was found out that eighteen consonants are similar in between, two consonant sounds are slightly similar, 4 English consonants are not present in Dari Persian, and 3 Dari Persian consonants are not present in English language. It is believed that one’s mother tongue obviously has influence on second or foreign language. That is, one’s own language pronunciation habits are so strong that they are extremely difficult to break. On the other hand, mispronouncing the sounds in spoken language can cause miscommunication or misunderstanding. Therefore, this research article can help teachers and learners of English with Dari Persian as the first language and vice versa to maintain effective and meaningful communication while listening and speaking with more focus on the sounds which are different between the first and the second or foreign language.

Identifying English Language Needs of Religious Guides at The General Presidency of The Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque

The aim of this study is to identify English language needs for religious guides at The General Presidency of The Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque. This study adopted a quantitative approach methodology using needs analysis questionnaire. The quantitative data collection instrument was a questionnaire with (51) participants. SPSS was used as the quantitative data analysis method. Findings showed that listening and speaking were the most important skills, and reading was moderately important, while writing is not important at all. Also, English is greatly rated as a tool to effectively perform their tasks in term of preaching and advising guests and pilgrims. Difficulties are embodied in lacking English language, accents, and proper religious expressions and vocabulary. This study highlights an urgent need for English for Religious Purposes. The study proposes a general guideline for a course design framework based on participants’ needs.

Sistem Fonem Isolek Kuntu Kabupaten Kampar

This synchronic study describes the phoneme system of the Kuntu isolect, one of the isolects used in Kampar Regency, Riau Province. The data is the informant's speech using the Kuntu isolect related to the prepared vocabulary. Data was collected by recording and interviewing selected informants, using the listening and speaking method, and analyzed using the equivalent method and the basic premise of Pike (1966). Based on the results of the analysis, IKKK has 42 sounds, namely vocoid, contoid, and diphthong sounds. The IKKK phoneme system has 33 phonemes consisting of five vowel phonemes, eighteen consonant phonemes, and ten diphthong phonemes. Kuntu isolect syllables consist of eight patterns, namely V, VK, KV, KD, KVK, KKV, KDK, and KKVK. The diversity of Kuntu isolect diphthong phonemes found in this study is not much different from previous studies. This proves that the Kuntu isolect of Kampar Regency is a Minangkabau dialect even though Kuntu Village is administratively located in the Riau Province. In addition, the customary system used by the people of Kuntu Village (matrilineal) is another proof that Kuntu Village, Kampar Regency has a relationship with Minangkabau

The Impact of Music Training on the Cognitive Development of Preschool and Junior School Children: A Review of Research

The review presents the results of studies of the impact of music training on the cognitive development of preschool and junior school children. It is shown that music lessons can contribute to the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking as well as mathematical skills, memory, intelligence, and executive functions. After analyzing a number of relevant studies, the authors came to the following conclusions: (1) the impact of music lessons on the development of the cognitive sphere in children is associated with concomitant factors, such as: parental involvement in music lessons and home musical environment, age when a child begins to take music lessons and their duration, socioeconomic status of the family; and 2) it is systemic music training, which includes singing, playing musical instruments and solfeggio, that can have a beneficial effect on cognitive development. The mechanisms by which music training promote the cognitive development of children were also examined. While a vast body of work confirms the beneficial effects of music training in this regard, there are a number of studies showing no such effects. Special consideration is also given to the reasons why positive research results can be erroneous. In conclusion, the authors give recommendations for designing further research on this topic as well as for organizing music lessons for children of preschool and junior school age.

Status Quo and Comparative Study of Fujianese College Students’ Language Abilities, Language Attitudes and Language Use

The study undertakes a diachronic comparative analysis of college students’ Mandarin, dialect, English use status, language aptitude, and language attitudes between 2015 and 2020 using data from a questionnaire of Fujian Province college students. The findings show that: (1) Mandarin’s function and status are increasing, resulting in a situation in which Mandarin is the dominant language and multiple language codes, such as dialects and English, coexist; (2) Mandarin use is increasing, while dialect use is decreasing; (3) Mandarin and English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are improving, while dialect listening and speaking skills are deteriorating; (4) Although Fujianese college students have a higher overall opinion of Mandarin, dialects, and English, their views toward Mandarin, dialects, and other languages are deteriorating. Based on this, the paper proposes curriculum ideology and politics in foreign language classes, as well as a variety of strategies to preserve Fujian’s strong dialects and scientifically protect weak dialects and endangered minority languages.

MEDICAL STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS AND TARGET NEEDS IN ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES COURSES

This study aims to identify the target needs of students in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) courses at a private university in North Sumatra, Indonesia. The participants in this study were 10 students majoring in medicine. This study employed a qualitative descriptive method to explain students' perspectives of the ESP courses. The research data were obtained through surveys and interviews. The findings reveal that the participants expect the ESP courses focus on the target needs of their academic and professional lives with an emphasis on drilling their skills in the four aspects of language. In addition, it also shows that students have a positive perception of the ESP courses at the university. The findings of the study also declared that the ESP program should focus on the effective use of language and improve their language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Influence of Negative Transfer of Dialects on English Pronunciation and Teaching Strategies

In the process of students’ learning English pronunciation, some pronunciation errors caused by the negative transfer of Chinese are caused. If these negative transfer effects of Chinese cannot be overcome, it will hinder the improvement of students’ listening and speaking skills. This article analyzes the impact of negative dialect transfer on English phonetics learning from three aspects: phoneme, coherent pronunciation and intonation, and proposes some coping strategies, hoping to instruct teachers to help students overcome the impact of negative dialect transfer and improve their English pronunciation level during the listening and speaking teaching process.