Beliefs about Second Language Learning

ISBN-13: 9783838389219 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 264 str.

Al-Osaimi, Saleh

Opis

Despite the importance of beliefs as factors influencing learners and teachers expectations and practices regarding the acquisition of second language, they have not been accorded the attention their importance deserves, especially in terms of the relationship between learners and teachers beliefs, which has been little studied. This book, therefore, investigates beliefs about Arabic language learning held by adult learners and their teachers at the Institute for the Teaching of Arabic to Non-Arabs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It explores similarities and differences in beliefs within and between those groups. It also considers implications drawn from the studys findings. Methodologically, mixed methods are employed, the instruments used being a questionnaire followed by interviews. The questionnaires were helpful in identifying and comparing patterns of beliefs while the interviews enriched the questionnaire responses, bringing in issues raised by the participants themselves. The studys findings contribute to the study of beliefs generally and should be especially useful to students of SLA and particularly to those interested in TAFL (Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language).

O autorze

Saleh AlOsaimi, PhD: Studied Applied Linguistics and Education at Leeds University. Assistant Professor at IMISIU, Saudi Arabia. He worked for Microsoft on Arabic language software projects. He was also a governor at Education Leeds, a member of Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education and a member of Leeds City Council's School Appeal Panel.