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11Психологические трудности при изучении иностранного языка у студентов юридических факультетов
Эмирильясова Сусанна Сеитбиляловна,
кандидат педагогических наук, кафедра иностранных языков, Крымский филиал Российского государственного университета правосудия, [email protected]
Статья посвящена трудностям, с которыми сталкиваются студенты юридических факультетов при изучении иностранного языка, в частности английского. В работе описываются актуальные психологические проблемы, с которыми сталкиваются студенты в процессе изучения английского языка. Анализируются педагогические приемы, стимулирующие студентов - юристов при обучении иностранному языку. В исследовании даны определения терминов для лучшего восприятия и понимания текста. Ключевые слова: ошибка, разговорные навыки, грамматика, перфекционизм, родной язык, иностранный язык, мотивация студентов.
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When it comes to learning a second language learners inevitably come across with making mistakes. It is impossible to do without them, thus, the scientific article aims to consider the law students' attitudes towards mistakes and review some other problems learners cope with when studying a second language.
The concepts "mistake" and "error" are identified as negatively-oriented elements making learners feel confused. It is vital to persuade learners to regard mistakes as well as errors as a norm. But before analyzing the targeted points it would be more reasonable to consult the dictionaries.
These words are defined by the lexicographers at the dictionaries as "an error is something you have done which is considered to be incorrect or wrong, or which should not have been done" [1]. "If you make a mistake, you do something which you did not intend to do, or which produces a result that you do not want"[1]. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "an error suggests the existence of a standard or guide and a straying from the right course through failure to make effective use of this" whereas "a mistake implies misconception or inadvertence and usually expresses less criticism than error"[2].
Thus, when evaluating learners it is much more effective and preferable to know the exact meanings of these terms and not to confuse them. Undoubtedly, any inaccuracies in language learning are interpreted as something wrong which is treated, in most cases, ironically and cynically by the audience. Consequently, students with low self-esteem are less likely to learn a language quickly compared to their confident classmates. A careful and attentive foreign language teacher is the best thing that can ever happen to a class. Noticing wrong interpersonal behavior among students a good teacher will undoubtedly take proper measures to stop it and abate the distance between students. Otherwise, weak learners will never be able to socialize and improve their learning abilities and capabilities. Making mistakes is known to be an essential part during language learning. And so, being a sensible foreign language teacher means to find a proper way out when you come across with your students mistakes. It takes time and energy to think of the possible ways to get engaged into error correction. Successful language learning process surely depends on how a teacher evaluates the mistakes and takes into account students' response to them. So, one of the difficulties learners face is improper relationship within a learning audience and negative response to teacher's correction.
Besides, if a student is obsessed with an idea that making a mistake is an indicator of poor knowledge,
then it will prevent him/her from developing good speaking and writing skills. Learners' embarrassment to speak with a foreigner will turn a learning process into a failure. Mistakes as well as errors should not be taken too seriously. Firstly, the major reason of our learning a foreign language is to be understood by a native speaker. No matter what grammar rules and other language means are used. It is worth mentioning, any foreigner is sure to make mistakes in the mother tongue as well as we make the mistakes in ours as an old saying goes ...to err is human.
Among the great number of foreign language learning problems mentality distinctions are regarded as ways that mislead law students and prevent them from expressing their thoughts clearly using a second language.
People all over the world possess some features which are peculiar only to their nation or community they live in. These peculiarities are known as mentality or outlook. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines these concepts as "mental power or capacity" and "mode or way of thought" [2].
When it comes to learning a second language students get confused and render subconsciously their mentality to a foreign language. These cultural distinctions become a crucial reason when developing speaking skills as there are so many things that are not shared with a target language. Thus, it is a matter of vital importance to broaden the outlook to be a success especially when you make up your mind to learn a foreign language which is completely different from yours.
The next thing making law students less efficient in a learning process is their mother tongue. The students of the Faculty of Law come across a lot of difficulties in a larger extent a major reason of it is not a positive influence of the mother tongue Native language interference largely determines the whole process of second language learning. In most cases law students find it relatively easy and convenient to use the structure of their mother tongue when learning a second language. It will surely help to render the whole idea but at the same time it will cause a lot of inaccuracies in a target language. No doubt a native language is a guide to a new language but the process has its own advantages and disadvantages. In terms of pluses it is effective if they both belong to the same language family and share some common rules, but in terms of drawbacks mother tongue influence can easily turn a foreign language learning process into a real nuisance.
Undoubtedly, occupation of a lawyer is of great significance and requires certain professional competence as well as being an open-minded person. These qualities enable to convey thoughts clearly which is very essential when you are eager your legal case to be a success.
Public speaking for a lawyer is a matter of topmost priority. Some law students are victims of stage fright. The term is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "nervousness felt at appearing before an audience" [2]. A law specialist's voice during public speech is as vital as all the details of speech. It is a professional
implement that will assist to render ideas to the audience and affect it. In terms of a foreign language creating confidence seems challenging when speaking a second language in public. Even if law students are non-native speakers, they have to strive to become near-native speakers. These are people who are "highly proficient speakers who are distinguishable from native speakers, but only in small ways" [3].
"Analysis of native and near-native speakers indicates that they differ in their underlying grammar and intuition, meaning that they do not interpret grammatical contrasts the same way. However, this divergence typically does not impact a near-native speaker's regular usage of the language" [4]. Thus, phobia of public speaking in a second language can cause serious problems and prevent a law student from being a top specialist in legal sphere.
One of the worst things distressing a law student during foreign language learning is an apprehension of being laughed at. Nowadays most people feel inferior and less assured in themselves. Society's opinions shape our life making us strongly dependent on others. Law students are not exceptions as their foreign language mistakes make them feel disagreeable and ridiculous when noticing a big grin on the faces of the fellow students. Deficient foreign speech causes psychological problems which are very difficult to overcome afterwards. No doubt it requires a lot of efforts to become much more courageous and be lenient towards co-learners. Taking baby steps in the second language learning will result in gaining fluent speaking skills to be proud of.
"There's a trend of perfectionism among young people" [5], law students inclusive. Being a perfectionist, i.e. "a person who wants things to be done perfectly or who tries to do things perfectly" [2], is highly likely to turn you into a model person. In terms of language learning "perfectionists tend to be detail-oriented and might even get a sort of rush from mastering the complexities or minutiae of a foreign language" [6].
Nevertheless, in some cases these ideal people are highly likely to be trapped by their immaculate illusions.
As a medical definition perfectionism is treated as a psychic disorder, "a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as unacceptable, especially: the setting of unrealistically demanding goals accompanied by a disposition to regard failure to achieve them as unacceptable and a sign of personal worthlessness" [2]. Thus, perfection performs as the worst phobia of mistake-making and hinders you from speaking a foreign language. Attempting to act perfectly, i.e. without mistakes and errors, a law student will never be able to develop the communication skills. Inaccuracies are known to be an integral part of any language learning process as any language is alive. A foreign language requires time, energy, money and making mistakes to be learned by law students. It is challenging for "ideal" beginners speak "ideally". These students are highly recommended not to take the second language learning too seriously in terms of mistakes. As it has been mentioned above, it is important to make learners treat mistakes as well as errors as a norm, i.e.
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"a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior" [2]. Undoubtedly, most students are dependent on their language teacher. If a professor notices a student suffering from the mentioned psychic disorder, it is crucial to "invent a tool" to root out this malicious disposition.
Some law students are known to start learning a second language with grammar. Grammar-oriented learning process is undoubtedly has both advantages and disadvantages. According to the linguistic research, detailed grammar study has a negative effect on developing communication skills. In fact, grammar takes much time whereas basic speaking requires fewer efforts. Thus, law students are highly recommended communicating with native speakers to master their skills mainly concentrating on communication.
If a learner aims to perform perfect writing skills, then grammar is truly essential. William B. Bradshaw, a famous minister, a college English instructor, and a college president, said, "Most in-depth thinkers, regardless of their national identity, realize that correct grammar leads to the kind of power in leadership that comes from superior communication, and they plan accordingly" [7]. Prof. David Crystal determines grammar as "... the structural foundation of our ability to express ourselves" [8]. Consequently, there is no need to underestimate the importance of grammar, it is a matter of a student's purpose.
Consequently, problems mentioned above have always made students think hard before making up their mind to start speaking. Undoubtedly, there are many more serious difficulties law students face when starting learning a foreign language. Most problems seem to be unbelievable to overcome but psychological tips as well as definitions of the terms are highly likely to be helpful.
Challenging foreign language experience for students of law Emirilyasova S.S.
Crimean branch of Russian State University of Justice The article is dedicated to the difficulties law students face when starting learning a foreign language. Most problems seem to be unbelievable to overcome but some psychological techniques as well as an experienced foreign language teacher are sure to be of great help. Definitions to the language-oriented terms are given to make challenging difficulties easy to understand. Key words: mistake, error, speaking skills, grammar, perfectionism,
mother tongue, second language. References
1. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english
2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
3. An Introduction to Bilingualism: Principles and Processes. Taylor
& Francis. 2008, pp. 267-268, ISBN 9780805851342
4. Coppieters, René (1987-01-01) "Competence Differences between Native and Near-Native Speakers". Language. 63 (3): 544-573. doi:10.2307/415005. JSTOR 415005
5. Cicero Estrella, The Mercury News, "Adulting 101: Cal students
teach course on 'how to live in the real world and function as an adult'," 27 Aug. 2019
6. https://www.omniglot.com/language/articles/perfectionism.htm
7. Bradshaw, W. B. (2013, 10 19). Why Grammar is Important.
Retrieved 02 12, 2014, from Huff Post Parents: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-b-bradshaw/why-grammar-is-important_b_4128521 .html).
8. David Crystal, "In Word and Deed." TES Teacher, April 30, 2004
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