An analysis of difficulties encountered in English composition by Japanese college students

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Authors
Easton, Barbara Jo.
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Issue Date
1973
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Thesis (M.A.)
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Abstract

This research project was designed to investigate the background information necessary for the development of a course of study in English composition for Japanese students. The problem was selected because of an apparent need to restructure the composition courses at Kwassui Junior College in Nagasaki, Japan, where the author has taught. Oneof the goals of the study was to point out general instances of cultural difference which, if consciously recognized, might improve communication between students and those to whom they must write in English. Although many textbooks have been written dealing with English composition in general, little attention has been paid to differences in cultural background as these affect composition students. Thus, investigation of this problem should aid in teaching composition to the Japanese.This investigation was based on an analysis of difficulties noted in ten brief essays written by Japanese college students. material gathered through personal correspondence with young Japanese of comparable background wa4 also used in the analysis. Together these provided an opportunity to determine the extent to which subconscious cultural biases should be recognized and consciously dealt with by teachers of English composition to speakers of other languages.The student essays and relevant personal correspondence were analyzed in order to isolate and categorize problems, both in terms of general syntactic structures and with regard to distinctive cultural biases. In addition, suggestions have been offered by the investigator, based on this analysis as well as personal experience, for revisions in the program which night improve advanced composition courses as they are taught at Kwassui Junior College.

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