The University of Nicosia (UNIC) and the Department of Languages and Literature would like to invite you to the Webinar: Approaches to teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language on Saturday, 25 January 2025, between 9:00 – 12:00 (GMT +3).
Abstracts
A guiding map or an ensnaring trap? The role of children’s first language in learning English
Dr Aretousa Giannakou, University of Nicosia
Is a child’s first language (L1) a guiding map that facilitates learning English as a foreign language, or an ensnaring trap that holds them back? How do young learners metaphorically perceive the role of their L1 in learning English? This talk explores these questions through a research study conducted with 133 primary school students in Greece. Using metaphor elicitation as a research tool, the study reveals how learners aged 10–12 describe their L1’s role in learning English. The findings indicate that most learners view their L1 positively, describing it as a helpful tool in their learning journey, while a smaller number see it as a hindrance. These insights challenge traditional monolingual teaching methods and open a discussion on incorporating translanguaging practices in EFL education. Join us to discover how metaphors can provide a window into learners’ beliefs and contribute to shaping more inclusive and effective language teaching practices.
Current trends in the teaching and learning of nonnative pronunciation
Dr Georgios P. Georgiou, University of Nicosia
This lecture explores issues regarding the acquisition of pronunciation in a foreign language, a skill crucial for effective communication. Pronunciation, often perceived as a challenging aspect of language learning, is a fundamental component that significantly influences intelligibility and listener perception. The session begins by examining the importance of mastering pronunciation, highlighting its impact on both the speaker’s confidence and their ability to convey meaning accurately in various contexts. Furthermore, the lecture addresses common misconceptions about pronunciation that may hinder its teaching in classrooms. Finally, the lecture analyzes international trends and future directions in pronunciation teaching, highlighting the evolving role of pronunciation in foreign language education.
Mastering Politeness: Pedagogical recommendations for Boosting Pragmatic Awareness in EFL Learners
Prof. Maria Economidou-Kogetsidis, University of Nicosia
Linguistic politeness is an integral part of successful communicative competence which in turn entails pragmatic competence – speakers’ ability to use language appropriately in a given sociocultural context. Studies have now confirmed that even fairly advanced L2 learners often lack adequate pragmatic competence in the L2 and they often perform requests or other speech acts (apologies, refusals, compliments etc.) differently or inappropriately to native speakers. As a result, they sometimes unintentionally come across as rude, pushy or inconsiderate, and are judged unfavourably for their personality and not for their lack of linguistic proficiency. It now widely accepted in the field of TESOL that learners are in great need of explicit pragmatic instruction. This seminar will address these issues and offer practical recommendations to L2 teachers on how to raise their learners’ pragmatic awareness and competence. Role-plays, film extracts and emails will be examined as pedagogical tools.
Detecting AI-generated text in student assignments
Dr Katarzyna Alexander, University of Nicosia
The development of Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, has revolutionised the way text can be produced and revised, offering new opportunities for language learners, while simultaneously affecting the assessment in language teaching since AI tools enable language learners to complete their take-home assignments quickly and with linguistic accuracy raising questions about fairness and authenticity. This seminar will explore the efficiency of AI detectors and the abilities of English as a Second Language (ESL) lecturers to recognise texts authored by LLMs. We will focus on the level of accuracy of AI detection tools and discuss the AI detection methods employed by ESL lecturers highlighting their strengths and limitations. The session will also highlight the need for professional training in AI technologies, equipping language instructors with the tools and strategies to navigate this evolving landscape confidently and ethically.
