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15 August 2013, Volume 13 Issue 08 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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On Motivation and Strategies of Research by Foreign Language Teachers YANG Zhong 2013, 13 (08):  1-5.  Abstract ( 198 )   PDF (947KB) ( 99 )   The Advanced Writing Test of the General English Proficiency Test (GEPT), developed and administrated by the Language Training and Testing Center, has adopted a computer-based test (CBT) mode since 2010, providing test-takers an alternative to traditional paper-based tests (PBT). As CBT and PBT are both currently administrated, the questions as to whether test-takers' performance under the two different testing modes are comparable when test tasks and time limits are equal, and whether there is a mode effect on raters are yet to be investigated empirically. This preliminary study compared test-takers' performance under the two testing modes, including score comparability and an analysis of textual and linguistic features. The results indicate that the two tests are comparable, and it is practical to continue to offer both CBT and PBT formats. However, more evidence is required to defend the comparability between the two tests. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Comparability Study between Paper-based and Computer-based Test Mode of the GEPT Advanced Writing Test Jessica R. W. Wu 2013, 13 (08):  6-13.  Abstract ( 233 )   PDF (891KB) ( 66 )   Onscreen marking (OSM), as one of the emerging marking mediums, can perform an important role in improving marking quality and reducing marking errors. The current paper lays out the uptake of OSM worldwide and outlines a series of validation studies conducted for the English subject of Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE) with the support of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (HKEAA). Results of the validation studies showed that (1) scores obtained from OSM were statistically comparable to those from paper-based marking (PBM); (2) OSM did not affect candidates' scores, with candidates receiving comparable scores in either OSM or PBM; (3) markers' attitudes towards OSM were overall positive. The paper ends with some observations regarding further avenues for investigation into the effectiveness and applicability of OSM, providing implications for the use of OSM in other contexts. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Reflections on the Practice of Onscreen Marking: The Case of Hong Kong Public Examinations David Coniam, Barley Mak, JIN Tan, LIU Li 2013, 13 (08):  14-19.  Abstract ( 244 )   PDF (897KB) ( 51 )   Test fairness is one of the overriding concerns in language test research and development. And how teachers conceive and implement test fairness is of critical importance in ensuring test fairness. This paper, by means of a questionnaire survey, looks into the perception and practice of teachers with regard to test fairness. The results show that teachers were aware of test fairness in some aspects and had practiced accordingly, while in other aspects teachers were not clear and thus failed to adopt adequate measures. Finally, the paper proposes that proper training be provided to teachers so as to raise their awareness. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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How Do Teachers View and Practice Test Fairness? Findings from a Questionnaire Survey ZOU Shen 2013, 13 (08):  20-25.  Abstract ( 243 )   PDF (810KB) ( 67 )   It is widely acknowledged that motivation is one of the important factors that influence the success of learning a second language. Therefore, the final purpose of theoretical and empirical studies on motivation is to explore the measures of inspiration and strengthening learning motivation. In view of the complexity of motivation, this study aims to testify the relationship between dynamic assessment and motivation, and explore their predictive power of students' English proficiency. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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An Analysis of Foreign Language Learning Motivation from the Perspective of Dynamic Assessment WANG Hua 2013, 13 (08):  26-30.  Abstract ( 227 )   PDF (655KB) ( 51 )   Applied linguistics has become more and more important in language sciences since the middle of twentieth century. Its rapid development indicates that applied linguistics can be combined with transdisciplinary themes, such as psychology, sociology, cognitive linguistics and computational linguistics. Likewise, Complexity Theory/Dynamic Systems Theory is also the new transdisciplinary theme of applied linguistics, which not only helps us grasp applied linguistics from a dynamic view, but also helps us better understand the theory itself. Complexity Theory/Dynamic Systems Theory further helps understand the principles and content of applied linguistics. It is concluded that the theory offers a new pointcut to the research of applied linguistics and helps understand the discipline from a different point of view, producing positive influence towards language learning process. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Applied Linguistics Advance from the Perspective of Complexity Theory and Dynamic Systems Theory LIU Wenyu, CHENG Yonghong 2013, 13 (08):  31-34.  Abstract ( 412 )   PDF (627KB) ( 162 )   Given the complexity and unpredictability of various teaching contexts, front-line teachers, rather than professionals, prove to be the most desirable designers of the learning system conducive to learner development. The present study records the collaborative exploration of two college English teachers in translating teaching and learning theories to effective activities through instructional design (ID) of EAP writing program. The whole ID process takes an up-bottom approach, from the macro-level conceptualization of “comprehensive literacy” approach to EAP writing competence, to the micro-level establishment of “leaner community based, problem driving” orienting principle and its theoretical perspective, then down to the setting of parameters in the dynamic interactive designing system. Finally the notion that “teacher awareness triggers ID action” is suggested as a mechanism for the development of college English teacher's ID ability. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Case of Instructional Design for EAP Writing Program of Undergraduates at Research-oriented Universities: The Development Mechanism of College English Teachers' ID Ability GONG Rong, WU Chengjun 2013, 13 (08):  35-39.  Abstract ( 261 )   PDF (958KB) ( 94 )   As an essential aspect in teacher development, content related humorous instructor discourse(CRHID)refers to the funny, comical or amusing teacher talk related with the content of teaching, which is conducive to constructing a happy classroom atmosphere as well as to the mastering of knowledge related to it. As an effective teaching tool, it is seldom noticed and studied in China, though great importance is attached to it at abroad. This paper examines the related concepts, its operation mechanisms, its types and functions, and then proposes that systematic use of it is needed. It is believed that mores studies on four areas are necessitated, namely the appropriate frequency, the way of humor construction, the issues concerning actual use and the consolidation of the beneficial effects. Finally, areas for future research are provided. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Study of Content-related Humorous Instructor Discourse PAN Xiaobo 2013, 13 (08):  40-45.  Abstract ( 216 )   PDF (963KB) ( 88 )   Trans-national literature, which depicts Culture B in Language A, is a special type of literary works that emerges in great number with globalization. Translating these works into Language B and bringing them back into Culture B, is a special translation phenomenon—cultural back-translation. Taking the Chinese translations of Pearl Buck's China novel The Good Earth as a case study, this paper makes comprehensive exploration of cultural back-translation. The author believes that the study of cultural back-translation should center on dual contextualization, “Self-Other” relation and intertextual construction of Self image. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Study on Non-English Major's Formulaic Language Writing from the Perspective of Memetics BU Aiping, JIANG Peipei 2013, 13 (08):  46-50.  Abstract ( 183 )   PDF (918KB) ( 145 )   This paper takes the development course of Western thoughts as a context, briefly analyses the similarities between translation studies and hermeneutics in their definition, origin and direction, in an attempt to disclose their connections in both perspective and knowledge system, and the underlying philosophical foundation, which serve as the cause and source of the modern translation theories' characteristics. Based on this discussion, this paper also cast new light upon the issue of the relationship between translation theories and the practice. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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On Cultural Back Translation—A Case Study of Chinese Translations of Pearl Buck's China Novel The Good Earth LIANG Zhifang 2013, 13 (08):  51-55.  Abstract ( 333 )   PDF (852KB) ( 126 )   In the field of translation, discussions on translation strategies, such as domestication vs. foreignization and literal translation vs. idiomatic translation and so on, run through the whole developing process of translation studies. In this paper, the styles at the lexical level, syntactical level and textual level of the two translation versions of Teahouse are described in an empirical way. Taking the relationship among readers' horizon of expectations, aesthetic distance and aesthetic effects as the theoretical basis, the authors explore the reasons for the different translation strategies of two translators. By doing so, the theory of horizon of expectations is expected to be a new angle for translation strategy choosing. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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An Analysis of Western Modern Translation Theories' Philosophical Foundation and their Connection to Hermeneutics FENG Jian, WU Cheng 2013, 13 (08):  56-59.  Abstract ( 227 )   PDF (799KB) ( 64 )   References | Related Articles | Metrics

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On the Choices of Translation Strategies in the Perspective of Horizon of Expectations: With Two Translations of Teahouse as an Example SUI Rongyi, GUO Liyang 2013, 13 (08):  60-64.  Abstract ( 276 )   PDF (1205KB) ( 221 )   References | Related Articles | Metrics

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A Woman Writer and Editor of Multi-Ethnic Literature of the U.S.: An Interview with Prof. Martha J. Cutter WANG Zuyou 2013, 13 (08):  65-68.  Abstract ( 263 )   PDF (337KB) ( 36 )   Related Articles | Metrics

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Pursuing Meaning —Chapter 5 The Ontological Argument Against Minimal Word Meanings Emma Borg 2013, 13 (08):  69-75.  Abstract ( 208 )   PDF (1466KB) ( 92 )   Related Articles | Metrics