KEYS CENTER
CENTRO DE FORMAÇÃO TÉCNICO PROFISSIONAL
TITTLE: ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Autors: Menezes Fernando
José Alfredo Casimiro
Huambo, 2025
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KEYS CENTER
CENTRO DE FORMAÇÃO TÉCNICO PROFISSIONAL
TITTLE: ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Autors: Menezes Fernando
José Alfredo Casimiro
Tutor: Domingos Cassinda Chindiambelela
Huambo, 2025
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List of abreviation
(L2), – second language
(SCT) –
(FLT – Foreign Language Teaching
CLT –
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Gratitude
The success of this work is a fruit of guidance that we received from almighty God and
reflection of many people with guided us with their wisdom and useful advice, to ours
parents for the love, supporting they´ve given to us. To all the teachers and to directly or
indirectly help this dream to come truth. To all of you, our gratitude!
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ABSTRACT
This study aimed at narrating the lived experiences of a student in learning English as a
foreign language, which includes identifying the other means of learning English as a
foreign language, the difficulties encountered in learning English as a foreign language
and means of overcoming such. This study made use of a qualitative research design,
employing a narrative approach, wherein the data were gathered through face-to-face
interviews with the participant – a student representative who had been learning English
at school since grade 7. The study also revealed that the learner encountered difficulties
in grammar and pronunciations. As observed, the student was not able to communicate
in English effectively with many grammar lapses and mispronunciations. It was further
revealed that motivation and constant practice in English communication is seen by the
learner as means of overcoming such difficulties. In conclusion, the study drew that
foreign language learning is more difficult because exposure to the language is so
limited. However, giving more talks to students in the classroom will provide means for
students to practice English as a foreign language, as well as exposure to different
internet applications with English as a medium.
Keywords: English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Narratology, Lived Experience
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Background of the Study
Comparisons between foreign language and second language learning have been long
debated by many scholars (Ringbom, 1980; Stern, 1983; Dingfang, 1994, 2006; Iwai,
2011). Some posit that the same process leads to learning both second and foreign
languages while others suggest the opposite that there are factors needing considerations
– Wu & Wu (2008), learning environment; Liu (2007), learners’ motivation; Patil
(2008), objectives of teaching; Dashtestani & Samoudi (2014); the use of technology.
For a clearer view, foreign language learning refers to learning non-native language,
which is only learned in a formal classroom and not commonly used in the community.
The exposure to the language is lesser than the second language (L2), that sometimes it
is connotatively referred to as “alien” language. Learning the English language is seen
as vital for it is becoming the most important language that keeps everyone in the globe
connected. It is a first language to some countries, while it is a second or a foreign
language to others. However, learning foreign language became more accessible today
due to the advent of high-end technology. That is why the education setting has evolved
from chalk-board to technology-driven classrooms. Foreign language teaching and
learning have changed from teacher-centered to learner/learning centered environments
(Moeller and Catalano, 2015). Further in their study, foreign language learning and
teaching have undergone a significant paradigm shift. Traditionally, learning a foreign
language was thought to be a ‘mimetic’ activity, a process that involved students
repeating or imitating new information.
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Objectives of the Study
Here we transport cleaaly what we want to achieve throuh this research tha is the
terminunus of our course. Our ambition is to explore and suggest ways of lerningin
englis as a foreigner language. Therefore for this aspiration to be obtained, our reserch
will track the following obgective:
1) To identify the other means of learning English as a foreign language aside from
school.
2) To determine the difficulties encountered by the participant in learning English;
3) And 3) to cite means of overcoming difficulties in learning English.
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Defition of second language
In this section, we will look at the difinition of second language and diferent
writer in education context.
Jgdffyififihfh; not yet
To start with, we present what Chang and Goswami (2011) found that foreign
language teaching in many countries in recent decades has shifted toward
communicative-focused instruction. Thus, countries in the have adopted
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) in the classroom teaching. However, factors
have evolved that affected the implementation of CLT. Thus, Chang and Goswami
offered practical recommendations for teachers, educators, and policy makers: to further
improve teacher training, curriculum design, and situational constraints to ensure
success in implementing the CLT approach. Moreover, in Foreign Language Teaching
(FLT), Dingfang (2006) argues, that it should include the following basic
functions of classroom instruction:
1. Stimulating and maintaining students' strong interest in learning;
2. Providing sufficient resources and opportunities for learning;
3. Training students' learning strategies in foreign language learning;
4. Helping the students overcome difficulties in learning the foreign language.
That is why it is noticeable in the education process today that there is change in the
role of the teacher from one of authority to that of facilitator and agent of change. It is
then eventually fostering a learner-centered classroom which provides more opportunity
for students to talk and less on the part of the teacher. In many contries, English is
treated more like a subject to be studied than a living language to be used in everyday
speech (Wu & Wu, 2004). In the study of Chia, Johnson, and Olive (2001), they took
the Taiwanese students’ opinions on (1) the importance of English language use in
students studies and their future careers; (2) basic English skills needed in a freshman
English course; and (3) suggestions for development of an English language curriculum.
Results showed that English was perceived as important for students’ academic studies
and their future work. Students wanted a basic English language course at the freshman
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level, naming listening as the most important skill to improve. Moreover, Ya (2006), in
his study on EFL teachers’ perceptions of English language policy at the elementary
level in Taiwan, revealed that all ten teachers agreed with the policy for English as a
compulsory subject at the elementary level. They observed both positive and negative
sides of this top‐down policy. It was found out that EFL teachers had to plan their
English classes with the constraints on a large class of students with mixed levels of
proficiency, limited teaching hours and resources. It was also revealed that parents’
expectations and attitudes towards English learning also became an obstacle. Another
noticeable constrain is the difficulty in speaking and articulating English among
Taiwanese students. Results show in the study of Chen & Chang (2008) that 36.80% of
college students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in Taiwan indicate
English learning difficulties. Foreign language anxiety was the known as source of
difficulty, wherein, students tend to have a history of English learning problems -- they
obtain low grades, suffer difficulties with classroom learning, and exhibit poor
developmental skills. The same result in the study of Hu (2011), wherein, language-
specific anxiety was considered to be interrelated with learners' insufficient word bank.
Such difficulty is also true to students studying abroad. In 2005, Sawir’s study indicated
that many international students from Asia, studying in Australia, face serious learning
difficulties and lack confidence in speaking. It was further explained in the study that
such learning difficulty was grounded in weaknesses in students' prior learning
experiences and in beliefs about language learning taught during early education.
With that, the use of personal experiences of students is one significant means of
understanding the difficulties in learning English as a foreign language. The students’
stories, based on their experiences, may provide basis for language planners and
teachers to stratify possible remedies that would help learners overcome the difficulties
they may have identified. The field of narratology is concerned with the study and
analysis of narrative texts. It puts under investigation literary pieces of language and
yields an understanding of the components in its very texture (Amerian, 2015).
According to Creswell (2013), “People live storied lives. They tell stories to share their
lives with others and to provide their personal accounts about classrooms, schools,
educational issues, and the settings in which they work.” This gives the concrete
purpose why the researcher delved into this type of research; thus, understanding more
the process of learning English as a foreign language through the narration of a student.
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Till now we have obseved some writer opinion and now we move to next
section where we will discuss about Language as mean of communication.
Language as mean of communication
For these reasons, from those times till now language is called the basic mean of
communication. We cannot imagine our life without it. Even if we have a look our
daily life, we can see the necessity of the language. To know one language is
obliging to make communication with others, but what about the second language?
Is learning additional language important? If it is, why?
Everything is developing, changing and new stuffs are invented or discovered as
the years pass. These changes give rise to the development of science. As the result
of developing science and appearing new discoveries or inventions induce create
new words or acquire some distinct words from other languages. Thereby, the
word stock of the language becomes rich and we are forced to be familiarized
with these words, especially terms in order to communicate well with people
around us.
In order to know these words, we had better to be familiar with those languages
the words are taken from or to know them deeply to understand the interpretation
of these unfamiliar words. Thus, we can point out that to learn additional language
may help us to enlarge our vocabulary and world outlook as well.
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There are so many cultures in the world. They are dissimilar and each of
them has their own specific peculiarities. To be familiarized with different
cultures and their features, cuisine, to know people belong to these different
cultures would have positive effect in our life. Especially, to have a contact with
people from different cultures is advantageous for us to develop our
communication skills, to know these cultures deeply from practice and even to
make good and may be long-lasting friendships. These all have a part in increasing
our outlook and improving our analytical skills. As we become familiar with
different and dissimilar cultures and people, our probability of being racist or
sharp nationalist is decreasing. It also aids us to know our culture deeply as well. As
we learn different cultures, we initiate to compare our culture with other cultures
we are familiar with. For all of these, we should learn the languages of different
countries in order to understand better their cultures and lifestyles.
A second language can improve our skills in various fields of science. It can
also give us the opportunity to get education in different countries of the world, to
know new people from other parts of the world, to communicate with them and to
improve ourselves. As we consider that there are so many languages in the world
and to know all of them is difficult, even impossible, firstly, we had better to
learn one of the widely spoken languages among them. So, the communication
and other things regarding knowing diverse languages will be easy for us.
Nowadays, English is one of the most widely used languages. Although it
is not their countries’ official language, many people want to learn English very
well and speak fluently and in correct way. Some of them want this just for
increasing the number of languages they know, but others are obliged to learn
English. There are some advantages of knowing English.
Firstly, English is the official language of 53 countries and is spoken as a
first language by around 400 million people around the world. This means if we
want to understand and be understood by foreign people, we should learn to speak
in English. This is vital for humans want to go abroad, work there and live among
foreigners.
It is obvious that so many countries have good co-operations with other foreign
countries. Since English is considered “the language of business”, it makes people
more desirable to employers.
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Especially, in foreign companies existing in our country managers are
looking for employees know English as well as his first language. If someone
knows English well, he has a high opportunity to get good job in our country -
Azerbaijan. Also companies send their employees who know English very well to
foreign countries to make cooperation with them and to carry on negotiations. If
someone has ambitions to become an international businessperson, it is necessary
that he is able to speak English fluently.
English is also considered the language of science, aviation, diplomacy and
tourism. In science there are a lot of terms in English, especially in technological
field. If you are inclined to be technologist or you are interested in this field, you
cannot avoid to learn English. English is the official language of the European
Union, the United Nations, NATO and the European Free Trade Association.
It is also the language of communication in tourism. Although you are not the
head member of some tourism or airline companies, you should know English.
English is the language of media industry. If you know this language very
well, you do not need to read your favorite book from translation. If you
understand English very well, you can watch your lovely movies, TV shows or
listen to music in original, not with subtitles or in translation form.
As we know, when some materials are interpreted from its original form,
some parts are cut or they may be interpreted differently. Thus, you will enjoy the
original form of your favorite books, films or music.
The advantage of learning foreign language
The advantages of learning foreign languages are mushrooming as the
world becomes increasingly globalized and bilingualism is now perhaps the most
useful real world skill to ever exist, rather than just being a nifty party trick. If
you’re thinking about making the effort to learn a foreign language rather than
expecting the world to accommodate your monolingualism, you are a rare breed
indeed. Blossoming into the impressive polyglot you aspire to be is 100% feasible
with the right approach and mindset.
Foreign language study is all about learning how to truly communicate and
connect with others—an incredibly important life skill that can only be cultivated
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by interacting with people. When you master a foreign language, you can exercise
your new superhuman power of being able to understand what someone is saying,
recall the proper vocab and grammar, put that vocab and grammar into the
proper context, and reply back—all on the spot and in a timely manner. You’ve
connected. And that is what it’s all about.
Why learn a foreign language
So, why is it important to learn a foreign language? Basically, the
advantages of learning foreign languages have the ability to set you up for success
in nearly every aspect of your life (NBD). Check out these seven reasons to study a
foreign language:
1. Learning a foreign language is sexy
With its warmth and voluptuous sounds, hearing someone speaking a
foreign language is like the sound of gold coming to embrace you. Speaking a
foreign language is incredibly sexy and it can make you more attractive,
interesting, and gives you an air of intelligence. A lot of people find a certain
language or accent to be really sexy—think Penélope Cruz’s Spanish or Monica
Bellucci’s Italian—you get the picture.
Learn a foreign language and you might just have that certain someone
hypnotized and drawn to your exotic prowess. Some of the more romantic
languages like, Spanish, the language of undying love containing rhythm that can
make any person swoon, or suave French that is soft as silk and feels as warm as a
lover’s stroke, and Italian that massages your ears into ecstasy. But really, the rich
textures of almost any foreign language can be incredibly sexy.
2. Travel becomes cheaper and easier when you learn a foreign language
It’s 10 p.m. You just got off a 14-hour flight and all you want to do is fall
face-first into your pillow. If you are solely armed with a smattering of
navigational terms in the local language, finding your place to crash could turn
into a painfully slow process. Without the right lingo, you are limited to expensive
or slower options. So you save yourself some time, money, and grief when you
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learn a foreign language. Just as a few key phrases will make transportation that
much faster and cheaper, and the same is true for choosing a place to stay. This
means lower rates and a better (even more authentic) experience.
Oh, and the food. When you learn a foreign language, you don’t need to be
Anthony Bourdain to find the best local grub. You can ask around for yourself.
This valuable intel will usually lead you to far tastier and cheaper fare than any
tourism board or guidebook ever could.
3. Learning a foreign language opens up a world of job opportunities
It’s no secret that learning a foreign language can improve your
employment prospects. More companies than ever are doing business in several—
often dozens of—countries around the world, but they can’t do it without hiring
people who have a grasp on at least one foreign language. Even in small, local
companies, chances are that the ability to speak a second language will set you
apart from other applicants. And in an increasingly competitive job market, why
not give yourself every possible edge?
But, it’s not just about padding your resume. With globalization in full
swing, there’s a good chance you’ll be working with people whose first language
isn’t English. Maybe it’s a development team in India, or a manufacturing plant in
China, or an alternative energy supplier in Germany. Being able to communicate
in other languages makes you much more valuable to an employer and having that
competitive edge on your resume is without a doubt an eye-catcher.
4. Foreign language study grows your brain
Studies have demonstrated the cognitive benefits of learning another
language, no matter how old you are. These studies have shown that bilinguals
tend to have bigger brains, better memories, are more creative, better problem
solvers, etc. Not only do these advantages make it easier to learn yet more
languages, they also make it easier to learn, well, anything. The ability to quickly
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switch between tasks is especially important in today’s busy multitasking world.
Bilinguals can switch between tasks much faster than their monolingual
counterparts and can handle many more tasks at once.
5. Form meaningful friendships when you study a foreign language
Meeting new and interesting people and developing lifelong friendships are
certainly objectives well worth aspiring for, and learning another language is a
sure way to expedite that process. Language helps express our feelings, desires,
and connect with other humans around us and forms meaningful relationships.
Speaking a foreign language not only opens up a massive pool of potential friends,
but it also acts as an instant common denominator when you meet native speakers.
Plus, speaking in a foreign tongue can be like speaking in secret code with your
new besties. This approach is not exactly a foolproof Enigma machine, but it can
make discussing the sordid details of Friday night’s debauchery a little less
embarrassing.
6. Studying a foreign language makes you more open-minded
Foreign language study is simply part of a very basic liberal education. To
educate is to lead out—to lead out of confinement and narrowness and darkness.
Learning a foreign language and getting soaked into an entirely new culture and
worldview is the surest way to become an open-minded, understanding, tolerant
individual, and that is absolutely priceless. Once you are aware of the fact that we are all
cultural beings, products of our own environments, and that you recognize the cultural
base for your own attitudes and behavior, you are ready to consider others in a more
favorable light. Seeing the world from a different perspective, and understanding where
you and others come from, is a fantastic, eye-opening experience.
7. Foreign language study helps you better understand your own language and
culture
Learning a foreign language can actually pull a sort of reverse psychology on
you and provide you with a better understanding of your own native tongue and culture.
This is one of the most unexpected advantages of learning a foreign language. You will
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become much more conscious of not only cultural customs, but of the grammar,
vocabulary, and pronunciation patterns of your first language. This likely explains the
improvements in listening, reading, and writing skills that foreign language impart to
former monolinguals.
Language is an essential part of human life. In ancient periods, people were using
various methods to communicate with each other. To make diverse and strange sounds,
gestures, mimics etc. can be sample for these methods. After language was created, the
contact among people became easier.
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CONCLUSION
There is one saying: “How many languages you know, how
many persons you are”. To be multilingual person have so
many advantages as we see. It gives us many job opportunities,
scope to enjoy our free time. It helps us to be useful to
society, humanity, to be knowledgeable person.
Consequently, we should try to learn some additional languages
and know them as our first language in order to help others and
ourselves to make our society more conversant.
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Recommendation
We recommend people, to learning at least one foreign language
becouse it is crucial and can shape our mindset.
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REFERENCE
1. Kendall Dick, Why is it important to learn a new language?
https://www.goabroad.com/articles/language-study-abroad/why-
is-it-important-to-learn-a- foreign-language (online məqalə)
2. Leonardo De Valoes, Importance of language – Why learning a
second language is important?
https://www.trinitydc.edu/continuing-education/2014/02/26/
importance-of-language-why- learning-a-second-language-is-
important/ (online məqalə)
3. Benny Lewis, 12 reasons everyone should learn another
language,
https://www.fluentin3months.com/why-learn-another-language/
(online məqalə)
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