TheAccuracyofEnglishMajors’SpokenEnglishinZengchengCollege.doc

The Accuracy of English Majors Spoken English in Zengcheng College 论文编号： AbstractWith the frequent communications of politics, economy and culture with foreign countries, the need for more people who can speak English is ever increasing. At the same time, the researches of spoken English also are increasing, especially in fluency aspect, while few about the accuracy. According to The syllabus for English majors at universities and colleges (2000), it requires English majors to master the speed, rhythm, stress, tone etc in TEM 4; while in TEM8, it requires English majors have correct accent, natural tone, fluency in spoken English. This thesis focuses on the present state of English majors spoken English in Zengcheng College by means of questionnaire and document study. The main purpose of this thesis is to investigate the accuracy of spoken English in English majors and find out what factors will affect it. At the same time, English majors will make a progress if they get help from some reasonable measure, thus the whole English majors spoken English level will improve and enhance in short time. Key words: spoken English; accuracy; segmental pronunciation; grammar; solution中文摘要随着政治，经济，文化与国外的频繁交流，需要会说英语的人越来越多。英语口语的研究也随着增多，大多数都是集中于口语的流利度，但是关于口语准确度的研究凤毛麟角。根据2000年制定的高等学校英语专业英语教学大纲，英语专业四级要求发音正确，掌握说话节奏、变音规律、语调、语音轻重音等；专业八级在四级指标的基础上，要求发音正确、语调自然、语流顺畅。本文通过问卷调查、文献研究手段针对增城学院英语专业大学生的口语现状，调查英语专业学生口语准确度以及影响口语准确度的因素，并借助一些合理的措施，使准确度得到提高，从而使英语专业学生的口语整体水平在更短的时间内获得较大的改善和提高。关键词：口语；准确度；音段；语法；解决方法iiThe Accuracy of English Majors Spoken English in Zengcheng CollegeTable of Contents1. Introduction12. Theoretical Framework22.1The Characteristics of Spoken English22.2The Definition and Measurement of Accuracy22.3The Importance of the Accuracy of Spoken English33. The Present Situation of the Accuracy of English Majors Spoken English43.1Currenent Situation of the Students Spoken English43.2The Factors Affecting English Majors Spoken English44. Main Problems Existing Among English Majors64.1Misusing and Lack of vocabulary64.2 Segmental Pronunciation Errors64.3The Confusion of English Grammar75. Ways to Improve Accuracy of English Majors Spoken English85.1Methods to enlarge vocabulary85.2Ways to Improve the Segmental Pronunciation95.3 Strategies for Learning English Grammar106. Conclusion11Appendix12References13Acknowledgements141. IntroductionWith development of college English educational reform, spoken English has been paid more and more attention to, and training students spoken English communicative competences have became the most important task in college English educational reform. The syllabus for English majors at universities and colleges (2000) mentions that English majors should master English rhythm, tone, stress etc. for TEM4；while in TEM8, it requires English majors to have correct pronunciation, intonation and fluency. Nowadays the communication between China and other countries become more frequent, and it needs more people who have abilities to speak English, and at the same time, its request becomes higher. To meet the need of this request, English majors must handle English well in the future study, work, and society, and qualify with the ability of spoken English because it is the fundamental. At the same time, they should guarantee their communicative competence. Therefore, the spoken English has raised great discussion in domestic English education.In Zengcheng College, the situation of spoken English is not as good as peoples expectation, especially in accuracy, besides the students have not realized that much work has to be done to solve the problem. Thus, this thesis analyzes current situations and helps our students to improve the accuracy of spoken English.Oral English plays an essential role in the judgment of English proficiency. In modern world, English is used more frequently languages tool, among which speaking is an essential part of language learning, because the original forms embodying the effects of communication are speaking, reading, and writing, and language accuracy is considered as the original purpose in mastering a language(Kormos and Denes,2004). However, most English majors think that speaking ability is one of their primary purposes of study. And it is clear that spoken English proficiency can be an essential asset for anyone seeking employment in trade industry. Some researchers have found that personality has an effect on learners achievement in spoken English performance (Skehan, 1996). Some have also researched that learners motivation and corresponding learning strategies have a direct influence on learners acquisition of speech (Ellis, 1997). Besides, Zeng Xiaoshan (1998) studied environmental and effective factors affecting the students spoken English proficiency. Lin Jian (2010) made a survey of some English majors spoken English courses. During communication activity, most researchers have found learners speed and time they save can improve the fluency of spoken English (Zheng, 2009:56). Most researchers focus on the relationship between the learners and the fluency of spoken English.Nevertheless, the researching probing into the pertinence between the students spoken English ability with the accuracy and some relevant factors are still not sufficient. Therefore, the author of this thesis will take English majors in Zengcheng College of South China Normal University as her subjects. She will investigate into the accuracy of English majors spoken English, analyze its related factors (for example, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation), and offer some constructive recommendations for English majors in Zengcheng College to improve their spoken English level. 2. Theoretical Framework2.1The Characteristics of Spoken English Spoken English is quite different from written English in some aspects. The way to learn spoken English is unlike the way to learn written English.Speaking has various types, like monologue and dialogue. In monologue, long conversation by one person which prevents other people form talking. And dialogue is an interaction between talkers, and the talker and listener change their roles now and then (Zheng Fengchao, 2009). Spoken English is the verbal use of language to commutative with others. Skehan (1996) has distinguished three aspects of linguistic performance: fluency, accuracy and complexity which are usually used as measurement for evaluating speaking ability. Fluency concerns “the learners capacity to produce language in real time without undue pausing or hesitation” (Skehan, 1996).The possible ways to measure fluency include speech rate, articulation rate, repetitions, length of run.The definition of accuracy will be specific in Chapter 2.2 .Complexity refers to “concerning the elaboration or ambition of the language that is produced and reflects learners preparation to take risks and to restructure their interlanguages” (Skehan, 1996).And its measure is commonly based on the extent to which subordination is evident. Complexity is quite informal in the use of vocabulary and structure. Therefore it has more conjunctions instead of subordination compared with its written form. The criterion of complexity to evaluate English foreign language learners spoken English ability should be cautious. 2.2The Definition and Measurement of AccuracyA number of linguists have defined “fluency”, while to “accuracy” just only a few definitions have been conveyed. And the authoritative person is Skehan (1996), who has clearly mentioned that accuracy concerns the extent to language produced conforms and target language norms. Like the definitions of “accuracy” are few given, the measures of accuracy are seldom. Some researchers(Crookes,1989;Wigglesworth, 1997)have preferred to examine how accurately specific grammatical characteristics are used such as “verb forms” in terms of tense, aspect, modality or subject-verb agreement and others frequently used criteria is percentage of error-free clause or error-free units.(Skehan& Forster,1997) In authors opinion, the definition of accuracy refers to “English learners using vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation correctly. Besides, they are able to think and speak in English way. At the same time, measure of accuracy is the ratio between correct vocabulary and the whole vocabulary”. 2.3The Importance of the Accuracy of Spoken English First of all, the accuracy of spoken English can help English majors learn English well. It is clear that the accuracy of spoken English includes grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. If English majors guarantee the accuracy of spoken English, it means their spoken English are improved. They should find the principles and the ways to improve other aspects.Apart from that, it is a great convenience to communication. As it is known, language is a tool of communication. If one can speak a countrys language well, he is able to communicate with natives easily, and understand a history and civilization of this country better. If English majors have a high rate of accurate expression, they can communicate with natives English speakers freely.Last but not least, it can improve English majors academic motivation in English. The accuracy of spoken English can not only improve English majors English learning, but also requests them to do more reading and listening in order to broaden their horizons. If they have academic motivation, they will be interested in learning. Therefore, the accuracy of spoken English plays an important role in English.3. The Present Situation of the Accuracy of English Majors Spoken EnglishEnglish majors always overlook accuracy of spoken English. As a matter of fact, the accuracy is the most important factor in spoken English, and it affects fluency and complexity. Without accuracy, English majors are hardly speaking English well. Besides, English majors always think that just open mouths and speak in their minds, they can master spoken English without striking a blowing. Obviously, that opinion is incorrect. However, why dont most English majors realize the significance of the accuracy of spoken English?To answer this question on the basis of full grasp of the present condition of the accuracy of English majors spoken English in Zengcheng College, the author of this thesis did a questionnaire survey from the freshmen to the seniors at random majoring in English and accounting in January, 2011. There are 100 valid questionnaires from the collection. The result of the survey is as follows:3.1Currenent Situation of the Students Spoken English The ratio of the students who think their level of spoken English is “satisfaction”, “average”, “dissatisfaction” is 2%, 79%, 29% respectively (Table 1). Meanwhile, 80% of students consider the accuracy for spoken English is “important”, 16% supports “not so important”, only 4% holds “unimportant” (Table 2). Besides, the time they spend on the spoken English a week above 24 hours is 3%, about 12 hours 8%, 4 to 8 hours is 15%, 74% spent in spoken English below 4 hours (Table 3). As a result, most students agree that their spoken English is not as satisfy as they want, while they spent just little time on it. Table1 The Satisfaction Level of Spoken EnglishLevelSatisfactionAverage DissatisfactionPercentage 2%79%29%Table 2 The Important of AccuracyLevelImportant Not So ImportantUnimportant Percentage 80%16%4%Table 3 Spend on Spoken English a weekTime Above 24 hoursAbout 12 hours4 to 8 hoursBelow 4 hoursPercentage 3%8%15%74%3.2The Factors Affecting English Majors Spoken English 75% of students regard “pronunciation” “intonation”, and “vocabulary” as importance. The difficulties they confront are grammar and communication. The reasons are listed below:English majors think that grammar is fairly important, and tenses and voices are the most difficult parts. When learning English as a foreign language, English majors still think in Chinese style, so they are not sensitive to tenses and voices, especially in spoken English. They are always confused when choosing tenses and voices (Cai Jinting, 2003). On the other hand, 70% of English majors are aware of the importance of spoken English, but they just practice in class. However, just speaking in class is not enough, so English majors should do more practice after class, and the ability of spoken English can be improved. English majors have various ways to practice their spoken English, such as communicating with roommates, or going to English corners or English clubs (Li Ying & Min Shangchao, 2010). In a word, the questionnaire survey indicates that most English majors in Zengcheng College neglect the importance of grammar, practice and communication when speaking English, but these are very essential for English majors to improve the accuracy of spoken English.4. Main Problems Existing Among English MajorsThey know that it is very hard to improve the accuracy of spoken English if they can not find the existing problems in the accuracy of English. From the questionnaire, they may draw more attentions on main existing problems among English majors. 4.1Misusing and Lack of vocabulary In the questionnaire, English majors translation from Chinese to English was also tested. The purpose of the test is to measure the accuracy of spoken English, and the calculation formula is the ratio between the total correction vocabularies and the total vocabularies (Qi Yan, 2010).For example, “what I learn in campus is independence”. However, “in campus” should be replaced by “on campus”. Similarities still exist among students. Like, “Mr. He is the professor at the famous university.” Obviously, “professor” and “university” are first mentioned and “a” should be used. However, 67% of English majors use “the” instead of “a”. They do not attach much importance to articles. Most English majors vocabulary size is small. There exist three main reasons: 1. They do not give priority to enlarge vocabulary. They dont have clear mind on everyday vocabulary, not to mention the accuracy of spoken English. 2. They merely focus on the basic meaning of word, regardless of other meanings which preventing their vocabulary development. 3. They do not grasp some usages and idioms. English majors are always making mistakes when they have to deal with lot of information and pressure. While other English majors complain they know enough vocabulary, but they are unconscious of putting this vocabulary to productive use. It is not unusual to meet English majors who can read quite well, but have great difficulty in speaking. However, from the questionnaire, the percentage of English majors who spend “above 8 hours”, “6 to 8 hours”, “3 to 5 hours” ,“less 2 hours” on vocabulary is 13%, 10%, is 22%, and 55% respectively. There is no doubt that a numerous of them have spent little time on the vocabulary. 4.2 Segmental Pronunciation ErrorsSegmental pronunciation errors mean vowel and consonant errors which not only include the mistake of vowel and consonant, but also contain addition and deletion in flow (Cheng Chunmei & He Anping, 2008).Suenobu (1992) says pronunciation errors can be classified into vowel addition, vowel substitution, consonant substitution, consonant deletion, pause error, stress error, ect. Cheng Chunmei (2006) divided pronunciation errors into substitution errors, addition errors, deletion errors. The author analyzes the accuracy of English majors spoken English according to the record. Large of students in Zengcheng College pronounce/n/ instead of /m/ in “handsome”, and can not pronounce /r/ and /l/, /s/ and /z/ correctly. A substitution error is to take a pronunciation the place of another, for instance, “sport” is pronounced /b/ instead of /p/. The deletion error is to eliminate a syllable, for example, “describe” which eliminates /b/. An addition error is to add a syllable which one does not exist, e.g. English majors incline to add /b/ in “climb”, and “good” is added /.4.3The Confusion of English GrammarIn linguistics, grammar is the set of structural rules that govern the composition of sentences, phrases, and words in any given natural language. The term refers to the study of such rules, and this field includes morphology, syntax, and phonology, often complemented by phonetics, semantics, and pragmatics. Grammar is important because it allows English majors to express their thoughts and intentions in a way that is acceptable to native speakers. Grammar mistakes can make their speaking difficult to be understood. English majors lack the awareness of grammar, so they are still unable to express themselves clearly in English. In that case, it will affect the accuracy of spoken English. Here are some typical errors in grammar.(1) Thinking in Chinese StyleFor example, “During the Spring Festival, I learned to wrap dumplings”. “Wrap” means “cover or enclose something (in soft or flexible material)”. They must use “make” to replace “wrap”. (2) Incomplete Sentence ElementsThey always working till late at night before taking examination. ()They are always working till late at night before taking examination()(3) Redundant Sentence ElementsThis exam is over, but there is another exam is waiting for you. ()One exam ends, but another is waiting for you. ()(4) Predicate Inconsistent My mother is 40 years old. He is a traditional woman. ()My mother is 40 years old. She is a traditional woman. ()(5) Meaning Duplication In my opinion, I think ()In my opinion ()5. Ways to Improve Accuracy of English Majors Spoken EnglishNow that English majors realize the existing phenomena of the accuracy of spoken English, it is high time they explored some effective methods for making sure the accuracy of spoken English. The following scientific ways to improve accuracy are suggested after serious study and consideration.5.1Methods to enlarge vocabularyAs Qin Jianhua & Wang Yingjie (2007) argues that English words are polysemous, containing groups of related meanings, rather than a single fixed meaning. Knowledge o