American Research Journal of English and Literature

Jalaludeen Ibrahim

Preference for the use of Nigerian Pidgin English (NPE) as a medium of communication among Nigerian staff of Controlled Event Solutions (CES) in Manchester is because of its simplicity and linguistic neutrality. Studies on NPE revealed that it derives its vocabulary from English (superstrate), and its sound system from the syntax of the local languages (substrate). This study examined how the preposition “fo” (English “for”) functions differently in various context, and what inherent meaning it has that explains its semantic versatility. The study was conducted with fifteen (15) Nigerian staff of CES, all within the age bracket of between 20 and 40 years. Four (4) participants were females while eleven (11) were males. The data were collected through naturally occurring casual speech. The findings revealed that “fo” can coincide with the English “for”; “fo” can function as a possessive marker when it precedes a proper noun; “fo” can function as “in” both as spatial and temporal; “fo” can function as “inside” (spatial) to overtly indicate the relationship between direct and indirect objects; “fo” can function as “on” (spatial locative [positional] & temporal), the interpretation of which is determined by the listener’s semantic instinct at notional level coupled with the type of nominal in the string; “fo” can function as “of” to indicate a point of reference; “fo” can function as “by” (preposition of agent); and “fo” can also function as the spatial “to” (directional) among other roles. This study further revealed that “fo” in NPE is used to specify the mood and attitude of the speaker. With the findings from this study, it is obvious that “fo” is mutable in every sense of its use.

Seyyed Mohammad Ali Soozandehfar (PhD) Mohammad Reza Adeli (MA)

This investigation intends to criticize Bloom’s original and revised taxonomies which has been utilized since 1956 and was revised in 2001, respectively. First, this study goes through the description of the original and the revised taxonomies. Second, it starts explaining the major criticisms on Bloom’s original taxonomy. Third, it also explicates a number of criticisms on the revised taxonomy. Moreover, the article wraps up the criticisms with several ancillary criticisms, in general. Furthermore, the study summarizes all the major criticisms in the form of a figure. Finally, some implications are proposed for those who tend to apply Bloom’s taxonomy in their investigations.

Acheoah, John Emike (PhD), Olaleye, Joel Iyiola

 This study investigates the level of competence which working-class Nigerians exhibit as far as effective communication in English, Nigeria’s lingua franca, is concerned. One cannot ignore the fact that there are several factors which contribute to lack of skills in English among Nigerians, just as one cannot ignore the truism that there are a lot of people who had Credit Pass in English and gained admissions into tertiary institutions through fowl means, yet graduated in their respective disciplines and became part of the workforce whether or not their performance in English is satisfactory. Relying on contemporary English grammar, the analyses done in this research, show that the chunk of the Nigerian workforce is incompetent in the grammar (incorrect sentences and misuse of the parts of speech) of English – as evident in written communications: memos, reports, minutes of meeting and letters from Nigerian universities.

Mona Alsolami

Teaching a foreign language is not easy unless it combined with effective instructions or models. There are several models that teachers can apply in order to facilitate the learning process. Information processing model is one of the most effective way in teaching a foreign language. Also, group investigation model is an encouraging model for students to learn a new language. Lastly, stimulation/role playing model is one of the inductive models that motive and encourage students to learn.

Wang Zhaohui, Jia Liping

Based on the need analysis and learning-centered theories of ESP, this paper illustrates the development and construction of curriculum standard for the course, Business Correspondence English, with emphasis on such aspects as the course nature, objectives, content construction, and teaching implementation. Hopefully it will throw light on the development of other courses, and offer reference on how to make the course more practical and occupation-oriented.

Ibrahim Alfarhan

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the concepts of English globalization and also its effects on cultural identity. This paper examines how second English language learners use English at the expense of their traditional languages. It also examines how second language acquisition influences one’s cultural identity. Research evidence from various articles used in this paper confirms that the globalization of English is detrimental to the cultural identity of the given group. Language is considered as one of the most effective ways of determining a person’s identity and cultural background. This means that without language, it can be difficult to establish one’s cultural identity. Again, many people use English frequently when they communicate; however, as Ged (2013) explains, second language acquisition may lead to the loss of some aspects or knowledge about the first language. The effects of second language acquisition can be both negative and positive. Johnson (2009) explains that globalization of English language and its effects on cultural identity needs to be understood in three main aspects which will be discussed in this paper; for example, English as an instrument for economic success, English as a tool for cross-cultural communication, and also English as a passing phase or lingua franca of the past. Through the analysis of these three major dimensions, we will be able to establish the effects of English globalization on cultural identity

Farhana Haque, M.A

The aspect of diasporic literature has got the ingrained meanings through the identity crisis. The shifting of place usually creates the notable changes in a man’s scenario of origin. Then he/she get entered into the diverse cultural periphery. Fluid identity make a person’s identity become complex in the age of globalization. In the 21st century, this diasporic literature has almost seen in most of the modern writer’s writing pieces. Jhumpa Lahiri is one of them. In her famous novel The Namesake, the themes of alienation, loneliness, rootlessness, homelessness and quest for identity became prominent and prevail over the other themes of this novel. Jhumpa Lahiri is a remarkable voice of Indian diaspora in America. She has decorated the Story of her novel according to her own life’s diasporic experiences. There in the novel Jhumpa Lahiri has instilled the concept of dismantle culture between the two countries such as India and America. The amalgamation of the two cultures made Gogol’s life became unfavourable and thus he has started to live in different social milieus. He tried to internalize both the Indian and American cultures but at last failed to recognize his own self as he was busy to adjust with the blending cultures. Jhumpa Lahiri took the issue of Gogol’s expatriation as a life of contestation and negotiations. Gogol’s nebulous name made his identity almost perished. This paper will explore Gogol’s life’s two different cultural backgrounds, different religious matters and the way of leading life in America as an immigrant.

Acheoah, John Emike (PhD), Ibileye, Gbenga (PhD)

 The focus of pragmatic theories from classical to contemporary times includes speech acts, contexts, shared knowledge and meaning (implicatures and presuppositions). As a reaction to the state of the literature of pragmatics, the Pragma-crafting theory attempts to elucidate novel concepts and issues in human communication across genres. The theory is both an improvement and an extension of Mey (2001). Any framework for the pragmatic analysis of discourse should be the product of interdisciplinary research. This paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of the Pragma-crafting Theory. Indeed, pragmatics, semantics, semiotics and sociolinguistics interact to underscore the interpretation of language via linguistic and extra linguistic “agencies” of communication. This study briefly examines some classical and contemporary pragmatic theories with a view to locating the ways in which the Pragma-crafting Theory adds new insights to existing body of knowledge in the literature. The study finds that the theory establishes new categories of predating notions, and evolves thought-provoking perspectives in cross-cultural pragmatics.

 Dr. Venkateswarlu Yesapogu, M.A., M.Phil, PhD. 

 Dancing in Cambodia, At Large in Burma gives a rather misleading impression to the reader who glances at its title. It seems that it is Ghosh’s narrative description of his travels through these two countries after this achieved independence from colonialism. However, as one progresses along, the first impression soon gives way to a serious realization that the book defies conventional literary classification of a ‘travelogue’ or ‘travel-writing.’ In fact, it is an imaginative rendering of complex responses of a scholarly researcher and sensitive writer of the agonizing process of the evolving of a nation for two South Asian Countries Cambodia and Burma in their postcolonial phase. These responses make, no doubt, a fascinating reading have been rendered in elegant and rhythmic prose revealing the harsh realities of the political, socio-cultural, economic and ethno-regional problems that these countries were confronted with after throwing off the yokes of slavery. In sooth, these countries are still grappling with the problematic of evolution of their distinct national identities; and the writer appears to hold a mirror to the other nation-states in the region and the continent. However for my article presentation I have chosen the title called “The Cultural legacy of Music and political turmoil in Amitav Ghosh’s Dancing in Cambodia at Large in Burma -A Postcolonial review, which explores the significance of Cultural legacy and political turmoil of Cambodia. This thought- provoking and disturbing book is a non-fictional personal review of the author which covered in about each and the middle – one genuinely sandwiched into historical evolution.

Boubekeur Sihem

Writing plays a prominent role in educational success. In spite of its importance, EFL students still have difficulties in written production. A well-written extended essay is considered to be the prime objective for students’ success. Since writing is a complex cognitive process, it is of great importance of composition teachers to train their learners to be able to take control of their own understanding of the process. Second year university students utilize a wide range writing strategies to achieve their learning goals. These strategies could be used consciously or unconsciously when endeavouring to produce a writing piece. Indeed, writing strategies demonstrate how student writers undertake a particular task and how they understand the writing process.