1850 GHalic et aldiscussion PDF

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1850 G

Halic et al. (2009)

Discussion Questions 1. In your own words, explain the purpose of this study. What did the researchers want to know?The purpose of this study was to explore in-depth the experiences

Non-nafive English speaking international graduate students regarding language, culture and academic idenfity as they joined an academic commur#ty and adjusted to the host society.

is to study experiences of non-native English-speaking international students about language, culture and identity in regard to their graduate studies

2. On p. 80, the researchers explain that some participants struggled with understanding oral English, especially from native speakers. What were the reasons for this? Have you had a similar experience? Explain. The participants reported constructing sentences in English using the grammatical structure of their native language and vice versa. Yes, native speaker have native experience, they use some sentence that only American use.

The language switch was experienced by participants as a type of bridging process between the areas of their brains that they perceived in charge of each linguistic system yes, i had similar experience of processing in my brain then speak 3. Some participants experienced difficulty switching between English and their own language (p. 80). Have you had this happen to you? Explain. Yes, Such as”mean”, we have several different meanings about this word in China, for example give some people tips and someone too restrain for their friends.

4. Can you describe a situation when you had difficulty expressing your thoughts and/or feelings in English (p. 81)? When I first went to America, I did not know many words, so I explain the word with body language, such as I was missing my hat, I talked with the assistance and I used my finger to pointed my head. it's quite difficult when you're trying to express your feelings or your thoughts in another

language. It's always difficult... I think the problem is, since we are not native speakers, we don't know which word is describing best what we think.

5. How is English a barrier for you? (p. 82) Culture and background are total different. 6. How is English a channel for you? (p. 83) English make me know various of knowledge and international friends. 7. Explain the idea of English being “game-like” and “alive” (p. 84). Do you agree with this idea? How so? Explain.

8. Have you ever felt like you were between two worlds? How do you think being here has affected your identity? How do you see yourself in the American culture context? (pp. 84-85)

9. Do you feel like you “have to start all over again”? How so? Explain. (p. 87)

10. How does language play a role in constructing one’s identity? Explain.

11. How does English proficiency affect one’s self-esteem? Explain.

12. How were the participants’ feelings of confidence challenged as they entered new communities of practice with English?

13. What connection do the authors make to communities of practice that Kim (2011) also discussed in her article? (p. 90)

14. The authors conclude with some recommendations for educators. List them here (as summaries) and explain which one you think is most useful and why.

15. The authors give some recommendations for future research. What are these? Make a list....