Faculty of Education - Theses

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11343/162

Filters

1999 1
Reset filters

Settings
Statistics
Citations
Author: Khaw, Li Lian × End date: 2000 × Type: Masters Research thesis × Subject: English language × Subject: Study and teaching ×

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Item
    Thumbnail Image
    Teacher attitudes towards Malaysian English
    Khaw, Li Lian ( 1999)
    This study is designed to assess the international intelligibility of two of the sub-varieties of Malaysian English (ME), namely the acrolect (the standard form of ME) and the mesolect (the colloquial form of ME). It also aims to examine the attitudes of English teachers towards these varieties, and explore the relationship between teachers' attitudes towards and the international intelligibility of ME. This study was carried out through the administration of a questionnaire. The rationale behind this study is structured on sociolinguistic grounds, and the criteria of teachers' judgements and evaluations of the varieties are based on their own perceptions of language use and their concepts of language behaviour. The findings of this study indicate that teachers generally hold negative attitudes towards the mesolect, and positive attitudes towards the acrolect. They believe that the mesolect is less standard, formal and grammatical than the acrolect. It is also found that the mesolect is less intelligible than the acrolect to most teachers. Although teachers have positive attitudes towards the acrolect of ME, they do not think that it is on a par with other varieties such as British, Australian and American English. In general, British English is viewed as the best variety in terms of standardness, clarity and originality. Most teachers who come from Korea, Japan and Vietnam where American English is the pedagogical model for ELT (English Language Teaching) favour American English. Some Australian teachers favour Australian English as its use is linked to their national identity. Most teachers hold negative attitudes towards Malaysian English and Indian English, as they are not familiar with those varieties and experience difficulties understanding them due to distinctive pronunciation and intonation. It is concluded that familiarity with a variety and intelligibility of a variety may be important factors affecting one's attitudes towards that variety. The findings of this study may not only add to the existing body of knowledge but also have pedagogical implications for ELT in the Malaysian context as well as in the international context.