Thesis (M.Ed. (Language Education)) --University of Limpopo, 2011. / This study investigated the effect of cultural background on comprehension of English texts by second language learners. The study specifically aimed at determining whether cultural background had any effect on comprehension of English texts by second language learners and whether the second language learners’ cultural background could help them comprehend unfamiliar texts. The background of the study in this mini dissertation was followed by the discussion on the literature available on this topic. This study followed a case study design which utilized 89 respondents from the Further Education and Training band of a rural secondary school in the north of Limpopo province. Data was obtained through the completion of questionnaires and answering of questions from a comprehension test based on English culture. The findings showed that there was no total comprehension of the text by learners who use English as a second language. Learners of English as a second language need to possess specific cultural schemata to comprehend texts that are unfamiliar to them. This study was informed by the schema theory. There is a significant effect of cultural background on the comprehension of English text by second language learners. KEY WORDS: Schema theory. Culture Comprehension. Cultural background

This thesis was a critical analysis of students academic second language writing at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Student writing in English as a second language in higher education has excited much interest in the English as a Second Language writing research and discussion in Tanzania. The interest was motivated by frequent criticisms from examiners regarding students literacy performance in the English as a Second Language writing in the post primary and higher education where the language of instruction is English as is configured in the Tanzanian language policy.

This thesis was a critical analysis of students academic second language writing at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Student writing in English as a second language in higher education has excited much interest in the English as a Second Language writing research and discussion in Tanzania. The interest was motivated by frequent criticisms from examiners regarding students literacy performance in the English as a Second Language writing in the post primary and higher education where the language of instruction is English as is configured in the Tanzanian language policy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of DVDs in enhancing student vocabulary development in second-language contexts. To this end the study sought students’ perceptions of DVD subtitles and their level of vocabulary knowledge. It also examined the extent to which watching a DVD with or without intralingual subtitles can improve students’ vocabulary recognition and recall. The literature review included a discussion on the variables operant in second-language acquisition; the use of visual media on vocabulary learning; and the effects of subtitling practices as a didactic tool for vocabulary recall and recognition. The study adopted a mixed-method approach and data were collected through a survey and openended questionnaire; a Vocabulary Levels Test; a Vocabulary Knowledge Scale Test; and vocabulary intervention activities. The findings indicate that DVDs can enhance students’ vocabulary in second-language teaching and learning contexts. More importantly the study confirms audio-visual images create greater sensory input that is, “words associated with actual objects or imagery techniques, are learned more easily than those without” (Chun and Plass, 1996:183). / English Studies / M.A. (TESOL)

M.A. / The language and learning problems experienced by the majority of African pupils at Secondary level are constantly in the public eye. The cause of many of these problems lies in the primary schOol system, where English is introduced as the language of learning from Grade 5 onwards. At this stage pupils are expected to learn a large volume of vocabulary to cope with all the subjects in English. This paper offers a framework for analysing language teaching issues and problems. It explores the relationship between education and the language of learning, language ability and cognitive skills, teaching styles, classroom materials and the learning process. Arising out of these investigations are a set of guidelines as to the major factors that affect the readability and comprehensibility of textbooks. The paper ends with a set of guiding principles for a language policy aimed at providing maximum learning opportunities for all children. The ultimate hope is that the suggested approach would in the long help in overcoming some of the century old frustrations and failures and contribute to the improvement and greater effectiveness of language teaching that we all strive to achieve.

Magister Educationis - MEd / This aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which writing skills offered in the one-year intensive English course and in the 75 hour course of Speaking and Writing Skills, prepare students for academic writing in the subjects which are offered through the medium of English. The study focused on first year Economics and Management. / South Africa

This study was conducted for the following two purposes: 1) to create and test a process by which cultural information in English textbooks in Japan can be analyzed, and 2) to examine what and how much information about foreign culture is taught in English classes in Japan. First, a process was developed from Joiner's evaluation form to gauge the cultural content of EFL textbooks. Action was taken to ensure that the process included both qualitative and quantitative steps. Second, the process entailed an analysis of the cultural content of 10 senior high school English textbooks published in Japan. The process was found to be functional and the analysis revealed that the textbooks were inadequate for the purpose of raising students' cultural awareness. The results of this study may be utilized not only for the improvement of textbooks, but also for future studies which might examine junior high school and college English textbooks. / Education, Faculty of / Language and Literacy Education (LLED), Department of / Graduate

This study identified the types of sexist language that appear in ESL textbooks by Thai authors. The study analyzed the ESL textbooks by Thai authors sold at the Chulalongkorn University bookstore during spring 2007. It was a qualitative case analysis of fifteen ESL textbooks covering the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of ESL instruction. The study used feminist criticism to discover what gender roles are sanctioned as appropriate in ESL textbooks by Thai authors and if the language used supports or challenges patriarchy. The results of this study show that sexist language is present in the textbooks and that the textbooks contain content that promotes sexist assumptions concerning gender roles. As a whole, the language and examples used in ESL textbooks by Thai authors support patriarchy.

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