Analyti-CALL Linguists

So our lesson has come to an end, and it is time for us to reflect on our overall course on CALL. First of all, it is obvious that we have learned a lot from this course and we personally think that a well taught course would definitely make a student to leave the classroom with more than just new information in their hands. Some of the things we learned, we already know the basics, such different types of communication using technology, online journals available, and such. However, we never really acknowledged the terms that we have learned in this class as well as the definitions. Hence, we’re going to form our very own CALL glossary to wrap up some of the terms that we have learned in this course.

Blog: blog is another word for weblog. It is a website that is like a diary or a journal. Bloggers (used to describe people who write on blogs) often write on their opinions and thoughts.

CALL: Computer-Assisted Language Learning, referring to teaching and learning computer tools that assist in language learning.

CMC: Computer-Mediated Communication is any communicative transaction that occurs through the use of two or more networked computers.

Concordances: a kind of search engine designed for language study.

Corpus Linguistics: the study of language as expressed in samples (corpora) or “real world” text.

E-Portfolio: technology based portfolio.

Islamization of Knowledge: Integrating Islamic perspective between the subjects inter disciplinary curriculum.

Reflection: integral to the complex process of learning and acquiring knowledge, enabling self-awareness, personal, and professional growth.

Apart from terms and definitions that we have learned, the most valuable knowledge gained from this class is how we were exposed to the advantages of technology in the use of language learning. The Internet is not all about social networking, entertainment, news, and an open window to plagiarism. When used in the right manner and with the correct moral and work ethics in mind, technology can be used as a powerful tool as a teaching aid in language learning. For example, students of linguistics major can do error analysis on a corpus text instead of the conventional method of correcting the errors found in written essays of second language learners, for example. We learned not only as a student on how to use computer as a teaching material, but we were also exposed to it as a teacher on the part of building the lesson plans for specific language skills. Although this is a minor section of teaching language, it is a beneficial exposure that hopefully can be put into good use in the future if we are given the chance to be in the teaching field.

Last but not least, the concept of the e-portfolio (posting assignments on the blog) itself is a new method that has been added to our learning experience and this is one of the interesting aspect of the class as it made the learning environment conducive and fun. We are not only able to explore the technological side of setting up an e-portfolio, but we are able to shine the little bit of creativity in us on designing and arranging the blog. Most importantly, it exposed us to the creative writing since it did not only confined us to writing academic papers, but we were also able to write in our own style of writing when it came to Islamization of Knowledge and reflecting on our previous tasks.

This was yet a fun and interactive course, have both theoretical and practical lessons well balanced and have definitely been an informative subject that would benefit us not only during our remaining duration of studies, but also in the working setting, InshaAllah.

Prepared: Ida Nadirah

In the third task, we learn on the subject of online corpora furthermore after having completed our second task on analyzing CMC corpus. Corpora is a large collection of writings of a specific kind or on a specific subject and consist a collection of a raw language data that are received through many mediums such as books, journals, periodicals and such.

It has come to our attention that previously, corpora was hand written (imagine the millions of words!!) but now the world of technology has brought upon online corpora and has made the process of research a lot simpler. Since our focus was on the types of online corpora, we discovered that there are a number of online corpora available to assist in the process of language study. The corpora are used as a guide, to learn new ways and to simplify life to the maximum. Not only does it is beneficial for a non-native teacher teaching the language, it is also grammatical-wise where the teacher can use it as a way to compare the different ways of using various verbs.

Furthermore, we as students are able to utilize the program in performing any independent revision without the need to have the teachers present. This is one of the aspects of CALL that we have covered earlier in class where it enables student to study independently. One of the most beneficial aspects we found on corpora is that it can be used to look at how the words are used in authentic settings, which can open other aspects that may influence the authentic language such as socio-cultural practice.

Interestingly, not only the corpora can collect large writings, it can also collect Qur’anic writings as such as The Qur’anic Arabic corpus that we stumbled upon while completing the task. Students can easily find anything they need to know about the Quran or Arabic as there are corpora specifically on them. CALL has opened us to great opportunities and teaches not only to prepare students for the working experience and a working life, but can also guide students to the right path of the Hereafter. Everything that is to be studied in any subject can be Islamized thus helps us to be a better Muslim.

Prepared by Sharifah Nurina Alia