International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies

12-21

Authors: Farida Lebbal, Algeria

Over the past few years, important strides have been made toward recognizing the development of pragmatic competence as a less peripheral component of foreign Language proficiency. Current research questions have extended beyond the confines of how important is integrating pragmatics in Language syllabi to addressing issues like what strategies, techniques and kind(s) of instruction should be implemented for a more sustained pragmatic competence. The contribution of the present paper is threefold; First, revisiting the different Pragmatics developmental models that proved thriving and productive in other-than-Algerian- Foreign Language contexts. Second, reviewing third year students’ (Department of English and Literature, University of Batna, Algeria) perception of the place the pragmatic objective holds in their oral and written courses syllabi and, finally, making a case for a more pragmatics-oriented language teaching at the university level, not only by an explicit instructed learning but by situating pragmatics at the heart of Foreign Language Teaching.

34-51

Authors: Priya. S, India

Many universities have introduced Humanities subjects into the engineering streams in tune with trends practiced globally. Engineers need to inculcate the spirit of humanities to acquire team spirit, critical thinking abilities and also problem-solving abilities for career advancement. Language skills empower engineers to face future challenges globally. In India also, Communicative English and Business English/ Professional English have been integrated into the Humanities stream of undergraduate programs in all Engineering colleges. Under this background, this empirical study examines the problems related to syllabus designed in the existing curricula of English language through questionnaire survey which was administered to 770 students of 20 engineering colleges. Ten items questionnaire objectively aimed to analyze three different aspects of the course designed for engineers. Firstly, to find out how the implementation of the syllabus matches the language learning needs of the students of the digital age. Secondly, to examine the teaching methodologies of four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing and finally to investigate how far the students preferred lab classes to theory classes. On the basis of the responses elicited, the aspects related to their immediate need of a learner centered curriculum are represented through graphical data for better interpretation. The research, thus, aimed at throwing light on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing system and the need to envisage a paradigm shift for preparing global engineers in the context of fast emerging situations around the world.

66-75

Authors: Somnath B. Barure, India

Influence and Borrowing are still seen with suspicion in the literary circles in India and abroad. In fact, both these tools have proved their inevitability in the creation and study of literary works and other arts in the present time. There are innumerable examples of unparallel creations resulted as an effect of influence of some other art or based on some borrowed idea. Mahesh Elkunchwar’s Old Stone Mansion (Wada Chirebandi) is claimed to have been based on borrowed ideas by critics. Even after this criticism, this play claims its share for raising certain questions and provoking discussions on various issues from all angles in the Indian society. It exposes the truth behind the stone walls of feudal mansions in the rural parts of India. The play is not just a story of one such feudal lord in the name of Deshpande, but attempts to bring into focus the changed socio-economic condition of Indian society in the post-colonial period. It locates the lasting battle in-between the ages long cultural values and harsh global realities in the present time, with fall of the former. This paper attempts to investigate the end of an ethos with the end of feudalism in India. The reasons for the fall have been discussed with ample evidences from the play itself, so as to support the statement of research. Fall of the mansion is evident in course of time, but fall of values and of the innocents is pathetic, forms the basis of the research problem. Paper also sheds light on the day-to-day changes seen in Indian ethos and marks its evident transformation in the play.

92-98

Authors: Faheem Akbar, Pakistan

Teaching foreign language is a challenging task; in language learning, speaking skill is considered a core productive part of learning. With this in mind, this article investigates how speaking can be made articulate and smooth. Furthermore, this article also determines the relationship between reading and speaking proficiency and extent to which teachers-led reading can affect students’ speaking performance. It is a known fact that lack of vocabulary makes learners stumbling and hesitant in speaking, because words precede communication ahead. In language learning hesitations/weakness in speaking can be overcome by encouraging learners to read a specific text. If teachers engage their students in worthwhile activities, such as providing appropriate and interesting reading texts in order to enable them to communicate what they have read. This article aims to reveal how reading gears speaking and reduces time in learning foreign language.