An Analysis of Communicative Competence Features in English Language Texts in Yemen Arab Republic
Abbad, Aziza Taleb
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/69184
Description
Title
An Analysis of Communicative Competence Features in English Language Texts in Yemen Arab Republic
Author(s)
Abbad, Aziza Taleb
Issue Date
1988
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Walker, Jerry L.
Department of Study
Education
Discipline
Education
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Education, Bilingual and Multicultural
Abstract
Three English for Yemen, Teacher Editions, used in the preparatory schools in Yemen Arab Republic, were analyzed. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the features of communicative competence that exist in the types of activities and behaviors suggested in the three books. Furthermore, the books were examined to determine the relative degree of emphasis given to every activity and behavior.
Seven units in each of the three teacher editions were randomly selected and analyzed for activity types, classroom organization, content, language skills and materials used. Teacher and student verbal interactions were coded separately for the following communicative features: use of target language, information gap, sustained speech, reaction to code or message, incorporation of preceding utterances, discourse initiation and form restriction.
The findings revealed that the majority of all activities advocated in the three books focused on form and very few on communicative activities. Classrooms were organized mainly for whole class and individual work activities. Group and dyadic activities were suggested rarely or not at all. Language form, rather than function or discourse, received major emphasis; and, there was no attention at all given to sociolinguistics. About equal emphasis was given to listening, speaking and reading skills; however, writing had the least emphasis. The material suggested to be used mostly was the textbook. The use of visuals was advocated less often. All materials were prescribed and there was no suggestion that teachers find and use other materials.
For teacher/student interaction, the use of the target language was suggested at all times except for certain occasions where the native language could be used. Information gap in the utterances were mainly the pseudo/predictable type. Genuine and unpredictable information were very rare. Sustained turns were very scarce as, and minimal turns predominated. There were few instances of incorporation of preceding utterances. Discourse was primarily teacher initiated.
The findings showed no significant differences existing among the three teacher editions in the frequencies of the use of the activities and behaviors except for the categories Activity types and Information Gap in Student Verbal Interaction (x$\sp2$ = 21.78, df = 2, p $<$.05) and (x$\sp2$ = 14.67, df = 2, p $<$.05) respectively.
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