Analysing the English communication needs and difficulties of Journalism undergraduates in Hong Kong
Title
Analysing the English communication needs and difficulties of Journalism undergraduates in Hong Kong
Analysing the English communication needs and difficulties of Journalism undergraduates in Hong Kong
Keywords: No Keyword.
Author
LEUNG Hoi Ching Dawning
LEUNG Hoi Ching Dawning
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement
for the degree of Master of Arts in English for Specific Purposes
Department of English
City University of Hong Kong
May 2010
Abstract
This research investigates the English communication needs and difficulties of Journalism undergraduates in Hong Kong. Journalism students learn how to conduct interviews and write news stories in English on their degree courses, which shows their communication needs in English; however, extensive literature found no previous research studying the language needs of Journalism undergraduates.
The subjects of this research were 62 Year Two and Year Three Journalism students majoring in Journalism and Communication in a local college. Student questionnaires and in-depth individual interviews with students and instructors of a news writing and reporting course were conducted. Findings indicate limited vocabulary and poor grammar are the largest problems in interviewing and news writing in English. A prioritized list of items was also produced.
This research investigates the English communication needs and difficulties of Journalism undergraduates in Hong Kong. Journalism students learn how to conduct interviews and write news stories in English on their degree courses, which shows their communication needs in English; however, extensive literature found no previous research studying the language needs of Journalism undergraduates.
The subjects of this research were 62 Year Two and Year Three Journalism students majoring in Journalism and Communication in a local college. Student questionnaires and in-depth individual interviews with students and instructors of a news writing and reporting course were conducted. Findings indicate limited vocabulary and poor grammar are the largest problems in interviewing and news writing in English. A prioritized list of items was also produced.
Conclusions are that English news writing and reporting teachers should increase the content of the two problem areas, in particular, in their course and syllabus design. More interview practice and practical news writing training should be provided. Journalism students should read English newspapers more often for acquiring commonly used vocabulary and news sense, and for getting themselves familiarized with English news writing style.
Category: Thesis
