LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 14:10 October 2014
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

HOME PAGE

Click Here for Back Issues of Language in India - From 2001




BOOKS FOR YOU TO READ AND DOWNLOAD FREE!


REFERENCE MATERIALS

BACK ISSUES


  • E-mail your articles and book-length reports in Microsoft Word to languageinindiaUSA@gmail.com.
  • PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES GIVEN IN HOME PAGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LIST OF CONTENTS.
  • Your articles and book-length reports should be written following the APA, MLA, LSA, or IJDL Stylesheet.
  • The Editorial Board has the right to accept, reject, or suggest modifications to the articles submitted for publication, and to make suitable stylistic adjustments. High quality, academic integrity, ethics and morals are expected from the authors and discussants.

Copyright © 2014
M. S. Thirumalai


Custom Search

Effective Use of CALL Lab in Building Vocabulary
for Engineering Graduates

Nirmala Rita Nair, M.A., Ph.D. & Gitasri Mukherjee, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D.


Abstract

A strong vocabulary is an invaluable possession for engineering students as it widens their avenues of thought, sharpens mental abilities to excel not only in academic affairs, but also maximize scope for employability and help in professional growth. This necessitates an endeavour to integrate vocabulary improvement as an ongoing process in one’s academic and professional journey. British linguist David A. Wilkins (9-10) has rightly observed that “without grammar little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed.”A nimble working vocabulary gives learners the ability to be explicit instead of being vague when sharing their views, following classroom teaching or comprehending the books they read. To meet this objective, Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Lab plays a very crucial role, since it exposes learners to self-instructional, learner-friendly modes of language learning, providing them with the freedom and privacy to listen, read and learn at their own pace. The vocabulary acquired in this process strengthens the learners to confidently face computer-based competitive exams such as TOEFL, GRE, IELTS.

Introduction

A limited vocabulary hampers a learner’s ability to express himself/herself effectively. Such a learner finds it difficult to comprehend a text and write coherent, cohesive and syntactically correct compositions. Besides this, the learner also has a tendency to avoid situations where there is a need to interact with others since he/she is unable to converse with peers or understand the teacher’s lectures and so on. Due to paucity of vocabulary, a learner might have problems such as verbosity, malapropisms, mixing general and specific vocabulary, incorrect use of formal and informal language, confusion with homophones etc. Often, these problems which occur due to lack of attention and practice in vocabulary building, inhibition in using new words, can be rectified by setting goals and nurturing an awareness, appreciation and love for words. Although vocabulary building is a lifelong learning activity, its success depends on it being goal-oriented and time-bound.

Need to be Aware of the Demands of the Industry

As Stephen Covey points out, one must begin with the end in mind (98). Engineering graduates need to be aware of the requirements and demands of the industry and prepare themselves from the outset to face the professional challenges that lie ahead of them. In the present day scenario, recruiters prefer engineering graduates who are equipped not only with their subject knowledge and technical skills, but also have a sound command over the English language. Such candidates leave a positive impression and are considered assets in any organization.

Focus on Building a Sound Vocabulary

To achieve this goal, learners must strive towards improving their language skills by focusing on building a sound vocabulary, since it forms the basis in language learning and affects one’s language proficiency. As Lewis points out, “Lexis is the core or heart of language”. (89) A rich gamut of vocabulary enables learners to effectively enhance their language skills, gain new insights and articulate their thoughts and feelings. Building vocabulary involves more than just memorizing lists of words. These words need to be used appropriately in proper context. This in turn builds confidence and has a positive impact on one’s capability to strengthen language proficiency. However, as linguist researcher Paul Nation (1994) notes: “Vocabulary is not an end in itself. A rich vocabulary makes the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing easier to perform.”


This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.



Dr. Nirmala Rita Nair
Associate Professor
nirmala.rita@gmail.com


Dr. Gitasri Mukherjee
Assistant Professor
gitasrimukherjee@gmail.com

Department of English
Muffakham Jah College of Engineering & Technology
Banjara Hills, Rd No. 3
Hyderabad- 500034
Telangana
India


Custom Search


  • Click Here to Go to Creative Writing Section

  • Send your articles
    as an attachment
    to your e-mail to
    languageinindiaUSA@gmail.com.
  • Please ensure that your name, academic degrees, institutional affiliation and institutional address, and your e-mail address are all given in the first page of your article. Also include a declaration that your article or work submitted for publication in LANGUAGE IN INDIA is an original work by you and that you have duly acknowledged the work or works of others you used in writing your articles, etc. Remember that by maintaining academic integrity we not only do the right thing but also help the growth, development and recognition of Indian/South Asian scholarship.