ERIC Number: EJ1296551
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2369-4211
EISSN: N/A
"I Need My Instructor to Like Sit with Me": Addressing Culture in L2 Writing Instruction
Bhowmik, Subrata; Chaudhuri, Anita
BC TEAL Journal, v6 n1 p11-28 2021
One of the objectives of examining culture vis-à-vis additional language (L2) writing is to conceptualize an effective L2 writing pedagogy (Matsuda & Atkinson, 2008). Kaplan's (1966) analysis of English as an additional language (EAL) texts was a pioneering endeavour in this regard, although due to ensuing controversy surrounding his claims, the desired goals of his effort were never achieved, leaving a gap in culture studies of L2 writing (Abasi, 2012; Belcher, 2014). This article reports on an investigation of student views on what instructors can do to help overcome cultural challenges L2 writers encounter in an English for academic purposes (EAP) context. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys, this qualitative case study examined 27 students at a Canadian university. Data analysis yielded six categories of instructor support: (a) providing explicit feedback on writing; (b) providing English text structures; (c) using exemplars; (d) creating opportunities for in-class writing and reviews; (e) explaining cultural differences between first language (L1) and L2 writing; and (f) providing more writing practice. The findings underline the importance of instructors' roles in unpacking various cultural underpinnings in L2 writing. Also, they support the (re)conceptualization of L2 writing pedagogy that integrates empirical evidence into instruction. The implications for L2 writing instruction are discussed.
Descriptors: Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Cultural Differences, Case Studies, Writing Instruction, Feedback (Response), Native Language, Teaching Methods, English (Second Language), Student Attitudes, Teacher Student Relationship, Teacher Role, Cultural Awareness, Grounded Theory, State Universities, English for Academic Purposes, College Preparation, Program Descriptions, Foreign Countries
Association of BC Teachers of English as an Additional Language. #206 - 640 West Broadway, Vancouver BC, V5Z 1G4, Canada. Tel: 604-736-6330; Fax: 604-736-6303; e-mail: admin@bcteal.org; Web site: https://ojs-o.library.ubc.ca/index.php/BCTJ
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A