Seyed Ali Rezvani Kalajahi

The discourse connector list: a multi-genre cross-cultural corpus analysis

Abstract This study examines the linguistic feature known as discourse connector using a corpus-informed approach. The study applies a taxonomy which classifies and describes 632 discourse connectors in eight broad classes with 17 categories. The frequency of use of each discourse connector listed was analyzed in the three different registers of spoken, non-academic and academic English in the two different cultural contexts of British and American English. The resulting data on discourse connector frequency were compiled in a database and processed with various statistical formulae to highlight multi-register and cross-cultural differences and similarities of use of each discourse connector. An interpretation of the use of this database, which is free to download and use, is included in the study as well as a discussion of the results and the potential for use as a research and pedagogical tool.

Material for Teaching Writing

Writing in the strict sense of the word is derived from speech, and is, in fact, an imperfect visual representation of it, for such purpose as communication at a distance and the keeping of records. Writing is the only conventional device for recording sounds. Writing can be fun, students or learners should not worry about the perfection of the sentences and the logical development of ideas. In real writing situations, people write unplanned without revising or editing their writings such as formal letters, educational or some meetings notes, instructions, and examination papers.

Developing Reading Materials for ESL Learners

This chapter discusses the issue of material preparation for a language reading course. It elaborates on some of the important elements that material developers should take into account in selecting and presenting the reading materials. Provision of materials is discussed in terms of the topics to be included and the vocabulary components of the content materials. More specifically, it discusses such topic-related issues as reader interest, needs, and schema that have been found as key success in reading activity. It also deals with the selection and presentation of vocabulary items that have proven to significantly affect reading performance.