WRITING PROBLEM

Writing Problem for Students with Arabic as First Language

in Learning English

[Date of Submission]

Abstract

This study deals with the problems associated with the problem of writing English by the learners with L1 as Arabic. This study also discusses the problems which result in the L2 acquisition due to the interferences of Arabic language as L1. There are certain aspects that are more common in the writings of these Arabic L1 writers. Due to these reason these students face various difficulty in communicating what they actually wanted to write. This study deals with major writing problems of these students. This study also provides various strategies which can assist learners with Arabic as their first language in using correct English.

Writing Problem for Students with Arabic as First Language

in Learning English

Project (1500 words)

Introduction

Language learning is very different from language acquisition. Language acquisition is a natural process in which a child learns its first language in natural environment (Chomsky, 1986). At this stage a child can learn or acquire more than one language if there is any exposure to that language. Second language learning involves various problems especially after a child learned first language L1. In these circumstances, Second language learning involves various problems, one is that there is no environment or exposure of second language and there are traditional rule based methods for teaching L2 (Al Rabadi, 2012, p37-44). Second language learning or L2 acquisition is defined by Ellis as the “way in which people learn a language other than their mother tongue, inside or outside the classroom” (Ellis, 1997, p.1). English as an international language is the need for most of the learners. It is very easy to learn and it does not contain very complex structure. The main problem occurs because most of these learners are students and need to write for their academic purposes or those whose professional requirements for job requires proficiency in English writing. In these cases the L2 learners with Arabic as L1 face difficulty due to the interference of first language while acquiring English as second language.

Thesis Statement

Learners with Arabic as first language face various difficulties of writing English language, due to L1 interference and difference in the language structure.

Discussion

There are various writing problems faced by the second language learners of English language. One of the main concerns associated with these people is that, it usually associated with the differences in vocabulary, grammatical structure, punctuation and direct translation of Arabic language into English. Some of the major and most common difficulties which are faced by English language learners are discussed in detail.

Problems with Spelling and Vocabulary

To begin with the very basic problem of writing in a second language is spelling errors. It is one of the major issues for the second language learners with Arabic as L1. The main reason for this problem is that both L1 and L2 have entirely different system of alphabets and their vowel and consonant are also different. The sound system which they follow to identify ...