GRAMMATICAL COHESION SKILL FOR EFL LEARNERS: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY LEVEL KURDISH LEARNERS OF ENGLISH

Authors

  • Jamal Ali Omar Department of English Language, University of Raparin, Iraq
  • Sherwan Hussein Hamad Department of Kurdish Language, University of Raparin, Iraq
  • Burhan Qadr Saleem Department of English Language, University of Raparin, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejel.v5i4.3255

Keywords:

anaphoric reference, pronoun anaphoric resolution, cross linguistic influence

Abstract

The skill of grammatical cohesion is required for EFL learners to be able to write cohesive texts. It includes having a command of reference cohesive devices (both anaphorically and cataphorically) of the foreign language. The aim of the current research was to explore the cases of anaphoric pronoun resolution of university level Kurdish Learners of English (KLEs). The secondary aim of the study was to find out the reason why participants did not use that cohesive device properly. To this end, the writing assignments of 60 senior English department students were analysed. The results showed the use of pronoun reference, reiteration of expressions (lack of using pronoun reference), and unsuccessful use of pronoun reference. The results also showed possible cases of Cross Linguistic Influence (in both its positive and negative forms). The study concluded that lack of suitable instructional strategies was the reason behind inappropriate use of reference. In the light of the results, it is recommended that Kurdish EFL learners need more efficient instructional strategies to use grammatical cohesive devices.

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Published

2020-08-14

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2020)

Section

Articles

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