maisoun Abujodah - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by maisoun Abujodah
Cross-cultural Communication, Apr 30, 2012
It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in respon... more It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in response to the rapidly changing world and the complexity of today's world where people are required to comprehend, judge, and participate in generating new knowledge and processes. It is also argued that integrating critical thinking skills into American literature classes is a prerequisite for learning and succeeding not only at school but also in the workplace and personal life. The discussion shows the manner in which critical thinking skills are promoted and employed in the classroom to enhance learning and equip learners with skills that prepare them for their future careers. It has been demonstrated that critical thinking skills are indispensible, advantageous, and necessary. Without these skills, learners won't be able to function well and actively participate in social and political spheres.
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Jul 1, 2023
The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited spe... more The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited speakers from a mixture of Arabic dialects and accents as one group and LAFL as another group where both groups spoke actual Arabic words with long and short vowels in contrast. A main consequence of choosing the present experimental manipulation is the outcome that NLs of Arabic had increasingly slow right recognitions in the follow-on test. The conclusion of the present experimental manipulation supports the claim that the handling of words is delayed if data accessible to NLs is incomplete. Additionally, this experimental manipulation adds to our awareness of the accountability of the NLs themselves towards LAFL. The study is expected to assist in considering the accountability of listeners in the communication barrier as explained by the inadequate top-down processing.
Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Feb 1, 2013
The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functio... more The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses in Modern Standard Arabic with an eye on the recent developments within syntactic theory, namely the Minimalist Program. Using the Checking Theory as a frame of reference, I argue that the predicate in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses gets its accusative case under agreement with the subject. The underlying assumption is that verbless sentences are predication phrases (PredPs) dominating nominal and adjectival phrases. The PredP mediates agreement between the predicate and the subject of the verbless sentence and thus facilitates the mechanism under which case is checked. Empirical as well as crosslinguistic evidence will be given to support the proposed account. Index Terms-minimalism, case checking, accusative * This paper is based on my Ph.D. dissertation, written under the supervision of Prof. Sara Rosen and submitted to the Department of Linguistics at the University of Kansas.
Journal of language and literature, Dec 4, 2013
There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas mu... more There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas much research has been conducted on vocabulary equivalence, there is little research to date that addresses the problems of achieving equivalence in grammar. Therefore, this study is motivated by noticing this gap in the literature in addition to the researchers' observation of the severity of the problems Arab students encounter in translating Arabic perfect verbs into English. To expose the kind of grammatical problems Arab English-major undergraduates face when translating Arabic perfect verbs into English, this study uses a translation test designed for this purpose and administered to a sample of 153 students. Results reveal that students tend to overuse the bare perfect form to encode the equivalent tense in question. This is attributed to the fact that Arabic has two verbal conjugations that are not associated with tense distinctions. Students need to know that context is the best guide in determining the appropriate tense. Results also shed light on the impact of students' gender, GPA, and academic-year differences on their performance on the translation test.
Journal of language and literature, Feb 25, 2014
On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to ... more On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to a Baudelaire translation, Walter Benjamin has become influential within the Western tradition of translation theories. In this powerful essay titled "the Task of the Translator," Benjamin strikingly conceptualizes poetry translation through a striking set of metaphors and imagery veering away from all essentialist ideals on poetry translation. A poetic element overwhelms the essay brilliantly making it truly romantic yet revolutionary in intent. This paper is a retrospective attempt to trace the beautiful secrets of the essay's poetic brilliance. It is an attempt to analyze the extremely important role of those metaphors in relaying and interpreting the revolutionary views of Benjamin on poetry translation. Further, it explores how Benjamin's insightful essay bravely challenged the existing translation theories of his time that only preached precision, exactness and fidelity to the letter imparting much inspiration and power to devotees of poetry translation.
Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Apr 1, 2023
This paper explores the English language status in Jordan in the past, present, and future. The p... more This paper explores the English language status in Jordan in the past, present, and future. The predictions for the future depend on the historical performance of both Jordanian learners of English and developments in Jordanian institutions providing English teaching as a foreign language for the previous century. The study discusses the policies which may improve English education at public and private schools and universities. Besides, the research is going to try to provide sophisticated anticipation for the status of the English language in Jordan for the next 30 years or more. The primary finding is that the growth of Departments of English and the number of university students using English for their majors are following the Fibonacci Sequence. The study may benefit teachers, students, researchers, linguists, language planners, and policymakers. The findings are also discussed within Communication Accommodation Theory (
Journal of Language Teaching and Research
The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited spe... more The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited speakers from a mixture of Arabic dialects and accents as one group and LAFL as another group where both groups spoke actual Arabic words with long and short vowels in contrast. A main consequence of choosing the present experimental manipulation is the outcome that NLs of Arabic had increasingly slow right recognitions in the follow-on test. The conclusion of the present experimental manipulation supports the claim that the handling of words is delayed if data accessible to NLs is incomplete. Additionally, this experimental manipulation adds to our awareness of the accountability of the NLs themselves towards LAFL. The study is expected to assist in considering the accountability of listeners in the communication barrier as explained by the inadequate top-down processing.
International Journal of Information and Education Technology
There is a growing interest in utilizing technology tools such as augmented reality to support in... more There is a growing interest in utilizing technology tools such as augmented reality to support individuals with disability in general and intellectual disabilities in particular. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of augmented reality technology in improving positive outcomes of individual with intellectual disabilities. Following Arksey and O’Malley and Kitchenham guideline, a meta-analysis of the overall effect of augmented reality on individuals with intellectual disabilities was conducted. Twenty-two studies were considered to explore the effect of augmented reality technology on the outcomes of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The result of the majority of the studies indicated that augmented reality technology was effective in improving positive outcomes among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hence, the study offers the benefits of utilizing augmented reality technology in special needs setting and could be a successful te...
Theory and Practice in Language Studies
This study investigates hate speech in bumper stickers in Jordan. A random corpus of 220 bumper s... more This study investigates hate speech in bumper stickers in Jordan. A random corpus of 220 bumper stickers has been collected by the researchers themselves over the period of a year during which they have been commuting from their place of living to the Hashemite University. Graphics and images of any kind and shape are excluded. The findings show that 120 stickers out of 220 exhibit hate speech at the thematic level, and 50 stickers show structural hate speech since they restrictively use imperatives. Stickers displaying thematic hate speech are divided into five categories: stickers with direct threats to others’ souls and properties; stickers with challenges to others; stickers displaying driver’s disappointment, despair, and misery; stickers displaying indifference to others’ feelings, ideas, and properties; and stickers with implicit hate speech. Finally, the findings show that although the targeted stickers show hate speech, they do not carry any indication of blasphemy or dislo...
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2013
This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified a... more This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified as verbs of speech and communication. These are constructions in which accusative case is licensed on more than one element. It is shown that these constructions can be offered a consistent account by the theory of multiple feature-checking. This account allows case to be multiply checked in a single configuration framework.
Journal of Language and Literature, Feb 25, 2014
On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to ... more On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to a Baudelaire translation, Walter Benjamin has become influential within the Western tradition of translation theories. In this powerful essay titled "the Task of the Translator," Benjamin strikingly conceptualizes poetry translation through a striking set of metaphors and imagery veering away from all essentialist ideals on poetry translation. A poetic element overwhelms the essay brilliantly making it truly romantic yet revolutionary in intent. This paper is a retrospective attempt to trace the beautiful secrets of the essay's poetic brilliance. It is an attempt to analyze the extremely important role of those metaphors in relaying and interpreting the revolutionary views of Benjamin on poetry translation. Further, it explores how Benjamin's insightful essay bravely challenged the existing translation theories of his time that only preached precision, exactness and fidelity to the letter imparting much inspiration and power to devotees of poetry translation.
There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas mu... more There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas much research has been conducted on vocabulary equivalence, there is little research to date that addresses the problems of achieving equivalence in grammar. Therefore, this study is motivated by noticing this gap in the literature in addition to the researchers' observation of the severity of the problems Arab students encounter in translating Arabic perfect verbs into English. To expose the kind of grammatical problems Arab English-major undergraduates face when translating Arabic perfect verbs into English, this study uses a translation test designed for this purpose and administered to a sample of 153 students. Results reveal that students tend to overuse the bare perfect form to encode the equivalent tense in question. This is attributed to the fact that Arabic has two verbal conjugations that are not associated with tense distinctions. Students need to know that context is the be...
This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified a... more This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified as verbs of speech and communication. These are constructions in which accusative case is licensed on more than one element. It is shown that these constructions can be offered a consistent account by the theory of multiple feature- checking. This account allows case to be multiply checked in a single configuration framework.
Cross Cultural Communication, Apr 1, 2012
It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in respon... more It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in response to the rapidly changing world and the complexity of today's world where people are required to comprehend, judge, and participate in generating new knowledge and processes. It is also argued that integrating critical thinking skills into American literature classes is a prerequisite for learning and succeeding not only at school but also in the workplace and personal life. The discussion shows the manner in which critical thinking skills are promoted and employed in the classroom to enhance learning and equip learners with skills that prepare them for their future careers. It has been demonstrated that critical thinking skills are indispensible, advantageous, and necessary. Without these skills, learners won't be able to function well and actively participate in social and political spheres.
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kansas, Linguistics, 2005. Includes bibliographical references (le... more Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kansas, Linguistics, 2005. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 174-182).
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Nov 1, 2014
A multi-dimensional process, writing demands that the writer coordinate several dimensions at a t... more A multi-dimensional process, writing demands that the writer coordinate several dimensions at a time, including grammar. Particularly in dealing with tenses, a good number of English-major EFL learners find it challenging to maintain a consistent tense during a writing task. They are usually unaware of the fact that tense shifts are necessary in some contexts but unnecessary in others. Students need to know that when they cast an essay in one tense, they need to remain consistent throughout. The researchers developed and administrated a grammatical error detection and correction test to 270 Jordanian English-major undergraduates with the aim of assessing their ability to detect and correct unmotivated tense shifts. Descriptive (percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t test and One-Way ANOVA) were used for data analysis using SPSS 20. The results revealed that the easiest tense type to identify was the simple past while the most difficult was the simple present. As for correction, the easiest was the simple past whereas the most difficult was the present perfect. The results also showed significant differences associated with students' GPA, academic level and perceived grammatical knowledge.
Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Jan 2, 2013
The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functio... more The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses in Modern Standard Arabic with an eye on the recent developments within syntactic theory, namely the Minimalist Program. Using the Checking Theory as a frame of reference, I argue that the predicate in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses gets its accusative case under agreement with the subject. The underlying assumption is that verbless sentences are predication phrases (PredPs) dominating nominal and adjectival phrases. The PredP mediates agreement between the predicate and the subject of the verbless sentence and thus facilitates the mechanism under which case is checked. Empirical as well as crosslinguistic evidence will be given to support the proposed account. Index Terms-minimalism, case checking, accusative * This paper is based on my Ph.D. dissertation, written under the supervision of Prof. Sara Rosen and submitted to the Department of Linguistics at the University of Kansas.
The current study examined the role of training in helping nonnative speakers to improve their co... more The current study examined the role of training in helping nonnative speakers to improve their correct production of primary stress. The study recruited 20 nonnative speakers of English who underwent theoretical and practical training and another 20 native listeners who evaluated the correctness of productions of nonnative speakers before and after training. The hypothesis of the study focused on that adequate training is effective in suprasegmental attainment in L2. Stimuli included 36 real English words; 12 words with different types of suffixes, 12 words with different number of syllables, and 12 words with different grammatical class (verbs vs. nouns). The results indicated total improvement of 19.83% in nonnative assignment of primary stress. The study concluded that prosodic elements are to be given a central importance in L2 teaching learning process concerning since they contribute to intelligibility which is an ultimate target that can be improved by means of good and suffi...
Studies in Literature and Language, Apr 30, 2013
The current study investigates assimilation between consonants across word boundaries in four dia... more The current study investigates assimilation between consonants across word boundaries in four dialects of Jordanian Arabic. Sixteen native speakers of the 4 dialects provided the production part (four from each dialect). Another 16 trained listeners heard the phrases, and readings were transcribed. The paper reports a number of asymmetries along the dimensions of place, manner, voicing and directionality. These asymmetries are corresponding to earlier typological works in the literature (e.g. Mohanon, 1993; Jun, 1995) and a few which are not. The study presents rich linguistic data, contributing as the basis for a valuable cross-dialectal study of consonant assimilation in JA. Consonant assimilation in the four dialects provides excellent support for the results of some previous studies on assimilation in consonant clusters.
Cross-cultural Communication, Apr 30, 2012
It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in respon... more It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in response to the rapidly changing world and the complexity of today's world where people are required to comprehend, judge, and participate in generating new knowledge and processes. It is also argued that integrating critical thinking skills into American literature classes is a prerequisite for learning and succeeding not only at school but also in the workplace and personal life. The discussion shows the manner in which critical thinking skills are promoted and employed in the classroom to enhance learning and equip learners with skills that prepare them for their future careers. It has been demonstrated that critical thinking skills are indispensible, advantageous, and necessary. Without these skills, learners won't be able to function well and actively participate in social and political spheres.
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Jul 1, 2023
The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited spe... more The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited speakers from a mixture of Arabic dialects and accents as one group and LAFL as another group where both groups spoke actual Arabic words with long and short vowels in contrast. A main consequence of choosing the present experimental manipulation is the outcome that NLs of Arabic had increasingly slow right recognitions in the follow-on test. The conclusion of the present experimental manipulation supports the claim that the handling of words is delayed if data accessible to NLs is incomplete. Additionally, this experimental manipulation adds to our awareness of the accountability of the NLs themselves towards LAFL. The study is expected to assist in considering the accountability of listeners in the communication barrier as explained by the inadequate top-down processing.
Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Feb 1, 2013
The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functio... more The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses in Modern Standard Arabic with an eye on the recent developments within syntactic theory, namely the Minimalist Program. Using the Checking Theory as a frame of reference, I argue that the predicate in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses gets its accusative case under agreement with the subject. The underlying assumption is that verbless sentences are predication phrases (PredPs) dominating nominal and adjectival phrases. The PredP mediates agreement between the predicate and the subject of the verbless sentence and thus facilitates the mechanism under which case is checked. Empirical as well as crosslinguistic evidence will be given to support the proposed account. Index Terms-minimalism, case checking, accusative * This paper is based on my Ph.D. dissertation, written under the supervision of Prof. Sara Rosen and submitted to the Department of Linguistics at the University of Kansas.
Journal of language and literature, Dec 4, 2013
There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas mu... more There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas much research has been conducted on vocabulary equivalence, there is little research to date that addresses the problems of achieving equivalence in grammar. Therefore, this study is motivated by noticing this gap in the literature in addition to the researchers' observation of the severity of the problems Arab students encounter in translating Arabic perfect verbs into English. To expose the kind of grammatical problems Arab English-major undergraduates face when translating Arabic perfect verbs into English, this study uses a translation test designed for this purpose and administered to a sample of 153 students. Results reveal that students tend to overuse the bare perfect form to encode the equivalent tense in question. This is attributed to the fact that Arabic has two verbal conjugations that are not associated with tense distinctions. Students need to know that context is the best guide in determining the appropriate tense. Results also shed light on the impact of students' gender, GPA, and academic-year differences on their performance on the translation test.
Journal of language and literature, Feb 25, 2014
On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to ... more On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to a Baudelaire translation, Walter Benjamin has become influential within the Western tradition of translation theories. In this powerful essay titled "the Task of the Translator," Benjamin strikingly conceptualizes poetry translation through a striking set of metaphors and imagery veering away from all essentialist ideals on poetry translation. A poetic element overwhelms the essay brilliantly making it truly romantic yet revolutionary in intent. This paper is a retrospective attempt to trace the beautiful secrets of the essay's poetic brilliance. It is an attempt to analyze the extremely important role of those metaphors in relaying and interpreting the revolutionary views of Benjamin on poetry translation. Further, it explores how Benjamin's insightful essay bravely challenged the existing translation theories of his time that only preached precision, exactness and fidelity to the letter imparting much inspiration and power to devotees of poetry translation.
Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Apr 1, 2023
This paper explores the English language status in Jordan in the past, present, and future. The p... more This paper explores the English language status in Jordan in the past, present, and future. The predictions for the future depend on the historical performance of both Jordanian learners of English and developments in Jordanian institutions providing English teaching as a foreign language for the previous century. The study discusses the policies which may improve English education at public and private schools and universities. Besides, the research is going to try to provide sophisticated anticipation for the status of the English language in Jordan for the next 30 years or more. The primary finding is that the growth of Departments of English and the number of university students using English for their majors are following the Fibonacci Sequence. The study may benefit teachers, students, researchers, linguists, language planners, and policymakers. The findings are also discussed within Communication Accommodation Theory (
Journal of Language Teaching and Research
The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited spe... more The current study evaluates the accountability of Native Listeners (NLs). The study recruited speakers from a mixture of Arabic dialects and accents as one group and LAFL as another group where both groups spoke actual Arabic words with long and short vowels in contrast. A main consequence of choosing the present experimental manipulation is the outcome that NLs of Arabic had increasingly slow right recognitions in the follow-on test. The conclusion of the present experimental manipulation supports the claim that the handling of words is delayed if data accessible to NLs is incomplete. Additionally, this experimental manipulation adds to our awareness of the accountability of the NLs themselves towards LAFL. The study is expected to assist in considering the accountability of listeners in the communication barrier as explained by the inadequate top-down processing.
International Journal of Information and Education Technology
There is a growing interest in utilizing technology tools such as augmented reality to support in... more There is a growing interest in utilizing technology tools such as augmented reality to support individuals with disability in general and intellectual disabilities in particular. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of augmented reality technology in improving positive outcomes of individual with intellectual disabilities. Following Arksey and O’Malley and Kitchenham guideline, a meta-analysis of the overall effect of augmented reality on individuals with intellectual disabilities was conducted. Twenty-two studies were considered to explore the effect of augmented reality technology on the outcomes of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The result of the majority of the studies indicated that augmented reality technology was effective in improving positive outcomes among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Hence, the study offers the benefits of utilizing augmented reality technology in special needs setting and could be a successful te...
Theory and Practice in Language Studies
This study investigates hate speech in bumper stickers in Jordan. A random corpus of 220 bumper s... more This study investigates hate speech in bumper stickers in Jordan. A random corpus of 220 bumper stickers has been collected by the researchers themselves over the period of a year during which they have been commuting from their place of living to the Hashemite University. Graphics and images of any kind and shape are excluded. The findings show that 120 stickers out of 220 exhibit hate speech at the thematic level, and 50 stickers show structural hate speech since they restrictively use imperatives. Stickers displaying thematic hate speech are divided into five categories: stickers with direct threats to others’ souls and properties; stickers with challenges to others; stickers displaying driver’s disappointment, despair, and misery; stickers displaying indifference to others’ feelings, ideas, and properties; and stickers with implicit hate speech. Finally, the findings show that although the targeted stickers show hate speech, they do not carry any indication of blasphemy or dislo...
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 2013
This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified a... more This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified as verbs of speech and communication. These are constructions in which accusative case is licensed on more than one element. It is shown that these constructions can be offered a consistent account by the theory of multiple feature-checking. This account allows case to be multiply checked in a single configuration framework.
Journal of Language and Literature, Feb 25, 2014
On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to ... more On the Basis of a single essay on poetry translation theory, originally intended as a preface to a Baudelaire translation, Walter Benjamin has become influential within the Western tradition of translation theories. In this powerful essay titled "the Task of the Translator," Benjamin strikingly conceptualizes poetry translation through a striking set of metaphors and imagery veering away from all essentialist ideals on poetry translation. A poetic element overwhelms the essay brilliantly making it truly romantic yet revolutionary in intent. This paper is a retrospective attempt to trace the beautiful secrets of the essay's poetic brilliance. It is an attempt to analyze the extremely important role of those metaphors in relaying and interpreting the revolutionary views of Benjamin on poetry translation. Further, it explores how Benjamin's insightful essay bravely challenged the existing translation theories of his time that only preached precision, exactness and fidelity to the letter imparting much inspiration and power to devotees of poetry translation.
There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas mu... more There are various translation problems, not all of which have received much attention. Whereas much research has been conducted on vocabulary equivalence, there is little research to date that addresses the problems of achieving equivalence in grammar. Therefore, this study is motivated by noticing this gap in the literature in addition to the researchers' observation of the severity of the problems Arab students encounter in translating Arabic perfect verbs into English. To expose the kind of grammatical problems Arab English-major undergraduates face when translating Arabic perfect verbs into English, this study uses a translation test designed for this purpose and administered to a sample of 153 students. Results reveal that students tend to overuse the bare perfect form to encode the equivalent tense in question. This is attributed to the fact that Arabic has two verbal conjugations that are not associated with tense distinctions. Students need to know that context is the be...
This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified a... more This study examines case checking in constructions controlled by verbs traditionally classified as verbs of speech and communication. These are constructions in which accusative case is licensed on more than one element. It is shown that these constructions can be offered a consistent account by the theory of multiple feature- checking. This account allows case to be multiply checked in a single configuration framework.
Cross Cultural Communication, Apr 1, 2012
It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in respon... more It is argued that the need for critical thinking in university education is accentuated in response to the rapidly changing world and the complexity of today's world where people are required to comprehend, judge, and participate in generating new knowledge and processes. It is also argued that integrating critical thinking skills into American literature classes is a prerequisite for learning and succeeding not only at school but also in the workplace and personal life. The discussion shows the manner in which critical thinking skills are promoted and employed in the classroom to enhance learning and equip learners with skills that prepare them for their future careers. It has been demonstrated that critical thinking skills are indispensible, advantageous, and necessary. Without these skills, learners won't be able to function well and actively participate in social and political spheres.
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kansas, Linguistics, 2005. Includes bibliographical references (le... more Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Kansas, Linguistics, 2005. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 174-182).
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Nov 1, 2014
A multi-dimensional process, writing demands that the writer coordinate several dimensions at a t... more A multi-dimensional process, writing demands that the writer coordinate several dimensions at a time, including grammar. Particularly in dealing with tenses, a good number of English-major EFL learners find it challenging to maintain a consistent tense during a writing task. They are usually unaware of the fact that tense shifts are necessary in some contexts but unnecessary in others. Students need to know that when they cast an essay in one tense, they need to remain consistent throughout. The researchers developed and administrated a grammatical error detection and correction test to 270 Jordanian English-major undergraduates with the aim of assessing their ability to detect and correct unmotivated tense shifts. Descriptive (percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (t test and One-Way ANOVA) were used for data analysis using SPSS 20. The results revealed that the easiest tense type to identify was the simple past while the most difficult was the simple present. As for correction, the easiest was the simple past whereas the most difficult was the present perfect. The results also showed significant differences associated with students' GPA, academic level and perceived grammatical knowledge.
Theory and Practice in Language Studies, Jan 2, 2013
The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functio... more The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of case checking in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses in Modern Standard Arabic with an eye on the recent developments within syntactic theory, namely the Minimalist Program. Using the Checking Theory as a frame of reference, I argue that the predicate in verbless sentences functioning as embedded clauses gets its accusative case under agreement with the subject. The underlying assumption is that verbless sentences are predication phrases (PredPs) dominating nominal and adjectival phrases. The PredP mediates agreement between the predicate and the subject of the verbless sentence and thus facilitates the mechanism under which case is checked. Empirical as well as crosslinguistic evidence will be given to support the proposed account. Index Terms-minimalism, case checking, accusative * This paper is based on my Ph.D. dissertation, written under the supervision of Prof. Sara Rosen and submitted to the Department of Linguistics at the University of Kansas.
The current study examined the role of training in helping nonnative speakers to improve their co... more The current study examined the role of training in helping nonnative speakers to improve their correct production of primary stress. The study recruited 20 nonnative speakers of English who underwent theoretical and practical training and another 20 native listeners who evaluated the correctness of productions of nonnative speakers before and after training. The hypothesis of the study focused on that adequate training is effective in suprasegmental attainment in L2. Stimuli included 36 real English words; 12 words with different types of suffixes, 12 words with different number of syllables, and 12 words with different grammatical class (verbs vs. nouns). The results indicated total improvement of 19.83% in nonnative assignment of primary stress. The study concluded that prosodic elements are to be given a central importance in L2 teaching learning process concerning since they contribute to intelligibility which is an ultimate target that can be improved by means of good and suffi...
Studies in Literature and Language, Apr 30, 2013
The current study investigates assimilation between consonants across word boundaries in four dia... more The current study investigates assimilation between consonants across word boundaries in four dialects of Jordanian Arabic. Sixteen native speakers of the 4 dialects provided the production part (four from each dialect). Another 16 trained listeners heard the phrases, and readings were transcribed. The paper reports a number of asymmetries along the dimensions of place, manner, voicing and directionality. These asymmetries are corresponding to earlier typological works in the literature (e.g. Mohanon, 1993; Jun, 1995) and a few which are not. The study presents rich linguistic data, contributing as the basis for a valuable cross-dialectal study of consonant assimilation in JA. Consonant assimilation in the four dialects provides excellent support for the results of some previous studies on assimilation in consonant clusters.