LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 17:7 July 2017
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.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
         N. Nadaraja Pillai, Ph.D.
         Renuga Devi, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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An Analysis of Speaking Competence of Undergraduate Students
of Eight Degree Colleges of Punjabi University, Patiala

Madhu Sharma, M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D. Candidate
Dr. Paramjit K. Chahal, Ph.D.
Dr. Shivani Thakar, Ph.D.

Abstract

This paper attempts to ascertain the existing level of speaking competence in English of the entry level students of eight degree colleges affiliated with Punjabi University, Patiala. For this purpose, a speaking test consisting of six different tasks was administered to 240 students (30 from each college). The responses of the students were subjected to both quantitative as well as qualitative assessment. The scores attained through quantitative analysis were tabulated. In addition to the tabulation, the responses were also analyzed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the students while speaking English. The whole exercise was undertaken with an objective of gaining feedback regarding the level of competence of these students so that relevant practice material could be designed. Besides discussing the results of the performance of the students, certain other theoretical concepts related to speaking have been discussed in the paper.

Keywords: Qualitative assessment, Quantitative analysis, Feedback

1. Speaking and Communication

Speaking is paramount in developing communicative competence in a language whether first, second or foreign. It is the most commonly used means of interaction between human beings. In the context of language learning also, it is considered to be the most important among the four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) because of its dominant role in the process of communication. The ability to speak a language effectively is crucial for development in social, economic, political and cultural spheres. Lack of this ability can push one towards the margins of a competitive and globalized social environment. This observation is relevant in the context of English also which, presently, is the most widely used second language across the globe.

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

Ms. Madhu Sharma
Associate Profesor of English
S. D. Kanya Mahavidyala
Mansa
Punjab
India
pinkimadhu15@gmail.com

Dr. Shivani Thakar
Asst. Prof. in English
Department of Distance Education
Punjabi University
Patiala
Punjab
India
shivanidde@gmail.com

Prof. (Retd.) Paramjit Kaut Chahal
Department of Distance Education
Punjabi University
Patiala
Punjab
India
chchal.pammy@gmail.com

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