Transfer of modal structure from standard arabic to english
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Date
2010
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Publisher
Oum-El-Bouaghi university
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to examine the extent to which algerian students rely on their first language modal verb kilowledge on acquiring an understanding of modal verb usage in english. This work is also devoted to find out the most appropriate teaching method for this situation. The stated hypothesis was evaluated through a test as well as a questionnaire administered to students, and the results show that transfer of the standard arabic language would affect the correct use of modal verbs like it may also be at origin of errors which are of the following types:
- Agreement between the verb and subject in the modal sti-ucture,
- Use of a particle after a modal verb,
- Co occurrence of a modal verb and a noun.
The results of the test also showed the tendency of students to use transfer from arabic to english when facing difficulties using English modal verbs. Furtherrnore, other languages, namely algerian Arabic, Berber, and french, may have the same effect as the standard arabic language on the use of modal verbs by these students. As the questionnaire distributed to grammar teachers; results showed that the most appropriate method of teaching modal verbs is the eclectic
method. Based on the findings suggested in the interpretation of the results, a mode1 lesson and some modal verbs have been provided to teachers, hoping to be able to help tlielii better uiiderstaiid, predict alid aiiticipate the use uf iiiodal valis
students, and how the latter can ovcrcome thc problcms thcy havc with this
grammatical category.
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Keywords
Teaching : method lunguage english