Do English learners from different countries approach (“compose”) topics differently? A study report

Abstract

The paper reports on a study with over 600 respondents (EFL students) from 18 countries, concerning their personal approach to mastering two selected topics (Clothes and Sport). The hypotheses and the major conclusions relate to four facets – structure, lexis, correctness, fluency – which are presented in the paper as components to which L2 students need to be positively oriented to fully master any given topic. The study reveals structural orientation (within and across topics) to be approached least positively and, contrary to initial expectations – correct use of language being as much desired as the mastery of lexis and attainment of fluency. Most crucial empirical observations concern intercultural differences detected on the topical level, discrepancies between declared practices and indecisiveness in learning, and resignation from learning habits boosting control over the language learnt. The study is grounded in the concept of ‘composing one’s own English’ as a personalised approach conducive to what is referred in the paper as formal control over it.