Symposia & Conferences
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10219
Browse
4 results
Search Results
Item An Error Analysis on Chinese Conjunctions by Undergraduates.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Rathnayake, D. M. A. S. P.This paper aims to discuss the history of Chinese conjunctions with emphasis on the four periods of history, namely, the ancient, the medieval, the modern and the transition from modern to present times. Firstly, the definitions of the Chinese conjunctions are discussed while a further discussion will be carried out regarding the characteristics of Chinese conjunctions and the usage of each category subsequently. For this error analysis, the students of the Chinese unit at the University of Kelaniya were considered as the sample. Data collection was done through a questionnaire. Accordingly, the study examines and analyses the knowledge of the usage of Chinese conjunctions by the Chinese learners at University of Kelaniya, where the students‟ problems pertaining to the Chinese conjunctions including their classification and the causes are discussed. Based on the findings, the best teaching methods are recommended for the teachers while the students are suggested with the best learning methods involving Chinese conjunctions. The main aim of this error analysis is to identify solutions for the students who learn Chinese conjunctions and to introduce new and effective teaching methods for Chinese teachers. It was found that the university students make mistakes in using the Chinese conjunctions. As a result, common errors done by the students in using Chinese conjunctions were found and different learning and teaching methods were introduced in overcoming the difficulties.Item A Study on Common Morphosyntactic Errors in English Made by Sri Lankan Second Language Learners.(The Third International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, ICLSL 2017. Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Egodage, W.Syntax is the rules with which words are combined to create sentences. Morphology is the study of morphemes which are the smallest significant units of grammar. The Second language learners of Sri Lanka face major difficulties in these vital areas of English language due to confusions with grammatical errors caused by being unaware of morphosyntactic rules. The main objectives of the research are to identify the common morphosyntactic errors, to trace out the causes of the aforesaid errors in English language among second language learners of Si Lanka and to provide suggestions for reducing such errors in English language among secondary school students. The research is designed to carry out both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. A questionnaire survey was given to thirty randomly selected Government school students of the Advanced Level grade to identify the morphosyntactic errors they make in English. Results of the study revealed that concord in auxiliaries; SVO pattern, articles, prepositions and tenses are the major types of syntactic errors, whereas affixation and compound related errors, conversion related errors are the major types of morphological errors. The survey concludes that syntactic and morphological errors have been caused by confusing and ineffective teaching methods of English for second language learners. These areas should be given their rightful place in language learning. The findings of this study demonstrate the utility of employing systematic and the most effective strategies for teaching syntactic and morphological structures of English language. Thus, it is important to state that the writers of English textbooks for second language learners should include teaching methods that could be easily understood by students in the writing of English textbooks.Item Problems Encountered by Students in French in Learning Grammar and the Possibility of a Student Oriented Approach into Teaching of Grammar(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Rajapaksha, U.D.The principal objective of learning a language is to express ideas or sentiments among humans. Whether the communication is oral or written, knowledge of grammar plays an important role when it comes to language learning.The students in French at the University of Kelaniya have been learning French since Grade 12 at school for Advanced Level, sometimes even at a younger age; before entering the university level. Thus, they are expected to demonstrate a high competency in French. The focus is on determining whether the students in French as a Foreign Language at University of Kelaniya, find it difficult to communicate in grammatically correct French. In the case of affirmative, the researcher intends to explore the possible reasons and secondly suggest a possible solution for the situation.The researcher plans to carry out the research by first identifying one grammar area which is considered difficult. Secondly, the researcher will study their reasons for declaring so and thirdly provide suggestions to improve the level of grammar of the students. The primary objective is to identify the presence of a difficulty in expressing oneself in communicating in French. In case of a lack of knowledge or competency in grammar, the researcher intends to evaluate what reasons are behind this communication failure and intends to provide possible suggestions to them. The research is based upon interviews and sample writings collected from students. The lecturers in French at the University of Kelaniya will be interviewed with open and closed questions, thus adding both quantitative and qualitative value to the study. Finally, I hope to present a sample lesson of a selected difficult grammar part in the suggested approach.The findings of the research would serve both students and teachers in French, in improving the quality of Teaching French as a Foreign Language.Item Incorporating Three Dimensional Framework of Grammar to Teach Participle Modifiers(University of Kelaniya, 2015) Suntheralingam, T.Despite the fact that Communicative Language Teaching has been widely accepted as a better way to teach a second language, most of the ESL learners firmly believe that knowledge of grammar is essential to their being able to acquire a new language. Only a few students are capable to pick up a language from pure exposure. Others tend to learn the grammatical aspects of the language step by step. Language teaching approaches are also based on the needs of the learners. According to Larsen- Freeman, there were two types of approaches; one focusing on the analysis of the language and the other on the usage of the language. But she was of the view that form and meaning of the language should be taught hand in hand. In order to emphasize the importance of form, meaning and use of a language, Larsen- Freeman introduced a three dimensional framework of grammar. According to Larsen-Freeman, teaching grammar means “enabling language students to use linguistic forms accurately, meaningfully, and appropriately” (Larsen- Freeman, 2001).Having noticed student errors in using participle modifiers, this study attempts to use three dimensional frame work of grammar to reduce the errors. The informants for this study are from 2nd year undergraduates of Faculty of Arts, University of Jaffna. Most of the students are unaware that participles can be used as modifiers. They also have confusion on where to use the participle modifiers and whether to use present participle or past participle. This study explores the possibilities of using three dimensional framework of grammar to overcome the errors while using participle modifiers.