SEARCH ARTICLE

02 Pages : 9-16

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).02      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).02      Published : Mar 2022

Analyzing English Language Learning Problems of Students through the Lenses of Action Research

    Traditional mode of teaching promoted rote learning among learners over the years. A University classroom is a place where learners acquire new knowledge, skills, abilities, capabilities, and techniques. This study unveils the English Language Learning problems of undergraduate students. The target population was 155 university students. Qualitative research methods were fielded. 'Observation, video-recording, focus group interview, and diary notes' were research instruments. Outcomes were drawn through the lenses of Action Research. Purposive sampling was the research design. 'Interpretive approach' was employed for data analysis. Results exhibited that students confronted English language problems, and they affected student learning.The study speaks volumes about the gap between teaching and learning. This gap needs to be addressed through Action Research to achieve effective learning outcomes. This study recommends the use of novel teaching strategies, lesson plans, pair work, group discussions, robust material, learner engagement, and constructive feedback in university education.

    Action Research, Teaching Strategies, Learning Problems, English Language Learners
    (1) Abdullah Laghari
    Lecturer, Department of English, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering Science & Technology, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Inayatullah Kakepoto
    Professor, Department of English, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering Science & Technology, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (3) Faheem Arshad
    Lecturer, Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.

21 Pages : 212 - 222

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).21      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).21      Published : Mar 2022

Identifying English Language Problems of Novice Engineering Students

    English has a paramount role in this digital world of internet and mobile technology. Digital technology has facilitated language learning. This study focused on identifying English language problems of novice engineering students in this modern age of scientific advancement.Convenience sampling method was used since the principal researcher taught the subject of Functional English to participants. Eighty engineering students were surveyed. Research instruments were document analysis and classroom observation. Data were analyzed through an interpretative approach to drawing study outcomes. Results exhibited engineering students faced English language problems in the English language classroom context. Multiple English language problems surfaced, such as poor vocabulary, spelling errors,grammatical errors, writing problems, comprehension problems, and accepting teacher dictation. Additionally, psychological problems were shyness, low self-confidence, nervousness, fear of peer criticism and stage fright.

    English Language, Problems, Novice, Engineering Students
    (1) Inayatullah Kakepoto
    Department of English, Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering Science and Technology, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Saeed Akhter
    Department of English, Riphah International University, Faisalabad Campus, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Quratulain Talpur
    Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Campus Khairpur Mir's, Sindh, Pakistan.

26 Pages : 264-278

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).26      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).26      Published : Mar 2022

Changing Trends in Indigenous Language Use in Pakistani Rural Community

    The study investigates the speech practices of rural Pothohari speakers in the home domain in the light of demographic variables: income, age, education and occupation. It discovers various social, economic, political and affective factors and their complex relationship with respect to language preferences and changes in patterns of use. The data for the study comes from recorded dinner time conversations of the native Pothohari speakers and their interviews. The study highlights interesting facts about family language use, language choices and the sociolinguistic situation of the Pthothari speech community. The findings suggest that Pothohari is undergoing the complex process of language shift and desertion. It is expected that the study will be a move toward raising awareness about endangering the subsistence of the indigenous language and will broaden the understanding regarding language maintenance and the shifting process.

    Language Attitude, Language Maintenance/Shift, Mother Tongue, Pothohari
    (1) Samina Tabassum
    PhD Scholar, Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Samina Amin Qadir
    Professor Emeritus, Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

48 Pages : 511-519

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).48      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-I).48      Published : Mar 2022

The Role of Discourse Analysis in Understanding Language Teaching and Learning

    The role of Discourse Analysis (DA), which is important in teaching and learning language, is discussed in this paper. DA allows researchers to analyze speech and writing, shedding light on the social structures, power dynamics, and cultural contexts through which classroom lives are enacted. The presentation introduces DA and its theoretical bases and then discusses its educational use. Research has found that DA improves teaching through critical thinking and differentiated instruction. For example, it shows how specific classroom communication patterns and student engagement can stack up to improve outcomes. Through case studies, the paper presents practical insights into how DA shapes curriculum and pedagogy that includes students’ linguistic backgrounds. Finally, it concludes by asserting that incorporating DA into language classrooms fosters effective communication and cultivates the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate global interactions in a diverse society.

    Discourse Analysis, Language Teaching, Language Learning, Pedagogy, Education
    (1) Khalid Azim Khan
    Consultant Academic Accreditation, Deanship of Development and Quality, Umm Al Qura University, Saudi Arabia.
    (2) Aziz Ullah Khan
    Assistant Professor, Department of English, National University of Modern Languages Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Ayyaz Mahmood
    Assistant Professor, Department of English, National University of Modern Languages Islamabad, Pakistan.

02 Pages : 10-22

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-II).02      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-II).02      Published : Jun 2022

Coinage of Code Meshed Numlianlect in BS English NUML Students' Informal University Discourse: A Plurilingual Study

    The first time such a newly emerged linguistic variety has been documented at NUML, Islamabad. This language variation means morphological, semantic, connotative deviations from standard linguistic norms. Contact linguistics, code meshing, diversified linguistic backgrounds and their colloquialism play their vital roles in shaping Numlianlect of BS English. The research problem faced by learners of super standard language is that they do not comprehend the newly code meshed discourse in the informal settings of NUML. So, this research raises questions about the exploration of linguistic variations, their formulation process and their denotative and connotative semantic shades. To answer these questions, qualitative and survey-based research design has been employed. The collected data have been analyzed with Labov and Weinreich's Variation Theory (1960). Major findings reveal that students mix English, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Urdu words to produce variant code-meshed linguistic patterns. Connotation, semantic shades and contexts of words have been changed by students.

    Language Variation, Numlianlect, Code-mixing, Code Meshing, Plurlingualism
    (1) Zafar Ullah
    Instructor Virtual University, Islamabad, Pakistan
    (2) Muhamamd Farooq Aalam
    Assistant Professor, NUML, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.

08 Pages : 87-98

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).08      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).08      Published : Mar 2023

Shakespeare's Universality: Exploring the Timelessness and Relevance of his Works across Cultures and Societies

    This research paper investigates the universality and enduring relevance of Shakespeare'sworks across cultures and societies. Through an analysis of his masterful use of language and exploration of fundamental human experiences, such as love, loss, and power, this paper argues that Shakespeare's characters and stories continue to resonate with contemporary audiences. The paper highlights the broad range of themes tackled by Shakespeare, including politics, gender, and social norms, and their relevance to the human experience. Furthermore, the paper emphasizes how Shakespeare's works provide valuable insight into the cultural and societal norms of his time, and how his exploration of complex ideas and themes through language demonstrates the power of literature.This paper highlights the importance of exploring the timelessness and relevance of Shakespeare's works across cultures and societies to connect us to each other and the larger world. The paper concludes that the universality of Shakespeare's works reflects the capacity of art to transcend time and place and the enduring power of the human imagination.

    Shakespeare, Universality, Enduring Relevance, Language, Culture, Society, Human Experience, Themes, Literature, Art, and Imagination
    (1) Henna Karamat
    Assistant Professor, Department of English, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.
    (2) Abdus Salam Khalis
    Professor, Department of English, Islamia College University, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan.

15 Pages : 155-168

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).15      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).15      Published : Mar 2023

Using Social Media as Material Development Source for English Language Teaching and Learning for ELT Classrooms at Undergraduate Levels

    The role of social media in academic settings has increased manifold. Both the teachers and the learners inside as well as outside classrooms use social media for different academic purposes. The present study was conducted to research to what extent the use of social media has become a fast way of material development in Pakistani ELT setting. Generally, social media is being used for getting and sharing information through different social media platforms: Facebook, whatsapp, YouTube along with other websites. The question is how social media is being used one of the medium for the development of material for four language skills? The data was collected through two major sources of survey and interviews from both the teachers and the learners. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively to reach the results. The findings answered the question that social media can be used as a source of material development in Pakistani ELT settings. This research will open the doors of further explorations in the same domain.

    Social Media, English Language, ELT, Undergraduate Levels, Whatsapp, Facebook
    (1) Amir Hafeez
    Associate Professor, Department of English, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Hafiz Abdul Majid
    Visiting Lecturer, Department of English, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan
    (3) Saima Yousaf
    MPhil, Department of English Linguistics, Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.

34 Pages : 375-384

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).34      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).34      Published : Mar 2023

Exploring the World of Artificial Intelligence: The Perception of the University Students about ChatGPT for Academic Purpose

    The study aims to explore the impact of ChatGPT on the writing skills of undergraduate students. This is a qualitative study in which 24 randomly selected students from two private sector universities in Karachi were interviewed and analyzed. The sample size was small but diversified, which was comprised of male and female BS (final year) students from humanities and sciences backgrounds.The data was classified into four categories to show different levels of responses from positive to negative. The result showed a mixed trend in which the majority of students were of the opinion that ChatGPT hinders creative writing, whereas the other group, was of the opinion that it is beneficial if used but under proper supervision / controlled conditions. The responses seem quite reasonable because ChatGPT is still in its infancy stage and may take some time to fully understand its technical aspects. However, more in-depth studies are required for its effective application in different academic areas.

    Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) Large Language Model (LLM), Rationalist Theory, Writing Skill
    (1) Atika A. Imran
    Lecturer, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
    (2) Ajab Ali Lashari
    Lecturer Education, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.

55 Pages : 608-615

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).55      10.31703/gssr.2023(VIII-I).55      Published : Mar 2023

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Usage on Learning English Language

    The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has brought about transformative changes in the domain of language learning. The objectives of the study were to assess the extent to which Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools are integrated into English language learning and examine the perceived impact of ICT on English language proficiency among learners. It employs a qualitative research design, incorporating a qualitative data collection technique.Twenty English language learners from a public sector university participated in the study. The results revealed that the utilization of ICT tools and resources has redefined the dynamics of language instruction. It has enabled educators to adopt innovative pedagogical methods that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. The availability of online platforms, interactive apps, and virtual classrooms has expanded the horizons of ELLs, making learning more accessible and engaging. As a result, learners are exposed to authentic English language experiences.

    Language Learning, ICT, Integrated Technology
    (1) Sabahat Parveen
    Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Muhammad Faisal Farid
    Assistant Professor, Department of Education, University of Education, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (3) Syedah Hoor Fatima
    M.Phil. (Education), University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus, Punjab, Pakistan.

07 Pages : 56-63

http://dx.doi.org/10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-IV).07      10.31703/gssr.2022(VII-IV).07      Published : Dec 2022

(De) Constructing The Correlation Between First Language Acquisition And Second Language Learning

    Language acquisition is a significant and captivating hallmark of human development. This review article briefly describes a few hindrances that the learner of English as being second language learner may deal with. It searches out the essential factors which play a significant part in the second language (L2) learning process. There is a common notion that the learning of L2 is affected by the learner’s first language, so we may assert that the mother tongue or first language can interfere with the learning process of L2. The current review showcases the dissimilarities and similarities between L1 and second language acquisition, which is finally concluded with a few implications for language researchers and teachers of English as a Second/ Foreign/ Additional Language.

    Language Acquisition, Second Language Learning (L2), First Language Acquisition (L1), (De)constructing, Interference, Language Learning
    (1) Ejaz Mirza
    Assistant Professor, Department of English, National University of Modern Languages, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan.
    (2) Shahzeb Shafi
    MPhil English Linguistics, Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad, Pakistan.
    (3) Faraz Ahmed
    MPhil English Linguistics, Institute of English Language and Literature, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan.