November 2007 Volume 3
PDF Version
SWF File
Foreword

Foreword to November 2007, Volume 3 Issue 2

In the Autumn edition of 2007, we are pleased to publish five articles for our Asian ESP readers. These articles present a diversity of topics in relation to ESP, from analysis of metadiscourse element application in research articles, rhetorical study in advertisements, investigation into technical vocabulary retention to learners’ learning motivation, strategies and outside classroom English application. Two articles discuss a comparison and contrast of English and local languages for specific purposes. They all reflect the authors’ critical views on ESP research and pedagogy.
   The first article by Ali Jahangard presents a study of learners’ memory for the retention of technical and general vocabulary. The investigation results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the learners’ performance on the tasks of technical vocabulary retention and general vocabulary retention. Thus, author argues that ESP instruction could commence right from the beginning levels of language teaching, which could be cost and time effective for all the stake holders. However, the author also realized that the implementation of this idea needed further research.
   The second paper from Gholam Reza Zarei, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran and Sara Mansoori, Islamic Najafabad Azad University, Iran, is based on a research which tried to find out “how English and Persian make use of metadiscourse elements and whether the two languages differed in using metadiscourse resources in academic texts”. The study used a corpus of research articles in both languages and found both languages used interactive resources more than interactional resources. The article concludes “metadiscourse provides a link between texts and community cultures, defining the rhetorical context which is created to conform to the expectations of the audience for whom the text is written”. Based on their findings from the research in two languages, the authors stated that “various discourse communities may need to opt for one or another rhetorical pattern in the case of having certain readership”. Through a comparison and contrast of metadiscourse functions between two languages, the authors have scrutinized the social-cultural differences in academic presentation in two languages, which may have some implication in other settings.
   Farzaneh Khodabadeh, in the third article, also conducts a contrastive analysis, in this case of rhetorical devices of advertisements in two languages, English and Persian. The data analysis was conducted to look at advertising headlines at rhetorical figures, which revealed more similarities than differences in application of rhetoric figures in two languages. In addition, the author studied the stylistic features of slogans across the two languages which revealed the preference of stylistic devices, such as rhyme, phrase and simple sentences, in advertisements application in both languages. The study helps to understand how a particular discourse is able to influence an audience. In addition, the comparison leads to a discussion of cultural and communication differences and similarities. The paper finally claims the research may have “pedagogical implications for teaching journalistic English, translation and increasing learners’ cultural awareness”.
   The fourth article by Ruth Ming Har Wong focuses on a study of motivation and strategies of non-English major pre-service teachers. The author found from the study that the participants have both instrumental and integrative motivation to learn English because the achievement of high proficiency in English benefits future promotion and professional development. The findings indicate passive learning strategies by the learners and suggest an emphasis on authentic language use in the classroom, which might encourage learners to learn more positively. In the acquisition-poor language classroom environment, authentic materials may be a good aid to language learners.
   The fifth article for this edition from Carmella Lieske reports on a pilot study of English use outside the classroom by nursing college students. The findings from the study illustrate that over three-quarters of the students enjoy speaking English, listening to music or watching movies in English. This article outlines the pedagogical implications of creating enjoyable learning activities to help learners discover the pleasure in learning and using English not only in class, but also outside. However, this study has not yet explored the definitive reasons for each student’s choice of English application, possibly opening avenues for new areas of research for our readers.
   We hope you enjoy this edition of Asian ESP Journal and that it provides some new views on ESP research and pedagogy.

Yong Chen
Associate Editor
Asian ESP Journal

November 2007
Volume 3 Issue 2
PDF EBook Version (Click)
MS Doc version (Click)

Foreword by Yong Chen
1. Ali Jahangard. Which Word Types (Technical or General) are more Difficult to Retain by the Iranian High School Learners?
2. Gholam Reza Zarei and Sara Mansoori. Metadiscourse in Academic Prose: A Contrastive Analysis of English and Persian Research Articles
3. Farzaneh Khodabadeh. A Contrastive Analysis of Rhetorical Figures in English and Persian Advertisements
4. Ruth Ming Har Wong. Motivation and Strategies to Learn English: The Case of Pre-service Teachers of Chinese
5. Carmella Lieske. - Japanese Nursing College Students’ Use of English Outside of the Classroom