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Belal M . J. Ibrahim
- Associate Professor, Head of Language and Culture Department
- Ext: 6676
I hold a Ph.D. in English. My goal as an educator is to enable my students to be reflective, more knowledgeable, and confident in their skills. I am also an educator with a particular interest in TESOL, TEFL, communication skills, ESP, and Literary Criticism. I participated in coordinating, customizing and designing soft skills courses for prestigious institutions in the UAE and other countries. I joined AU 14 years ago. I also worked as a director for the Continuing Education Center of Ajman University. Prior to that, I was an academic advisor for the Saudi- British Institute and Academic Counselor at Al-Quds University.
Education
- PhD English - UOR - 2001
- MA English - UOR - 1998
- BA (Honors) English Literature & Linguistics - AMU - 1996
- Diploma in Dutch Language - - ROC Utrecht – The Netherlands - 2002
PhD English - UOR - 2001
MA English - UOR - 1998
BA (Honors) English Literature & Linguistics - AMU - 1996
Diploma in Dutch Language - - ROC Utrecht – The Netherlands - 2002
Experience
- • March 2005–October 2009, Lecturer, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Translation, Ajman University ( Fujairah Campus)
- • January 2009 - June 2009 Director: Continuing Education Center
- 2004 - 2005 Assistant Professor - AlQuds University
- March 2003-Feb 2005 Academic Supervisor: Saudi British Institute , Riyadh & Madinah – KSA
- 2011-2019, Assistant Professor, College of Mass Communication, Ajman University
- January 2019 - Present Head Department of Foreign Languages, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University
- October 2009 - September 2011, Lecturer, College of University Requirements, Ajman University
- September 2019 - Present, Associate Professor, Department of Foreign Languages and Sciences, Ajman University
• March 2005–October 2009, Lecturer, Faculty of Foreign Languages and Translation, Ajman University ( Fujairah Campus)
• January 2009 - June 2009 Director: Continuing Education Center
2004 - 2005 Assistant Professor - AlQuds University
March 2003-Feb 2005 Academic Supervisor: Saudi British Institute , Riyadh & Madinah – KSA
2011-2019, Assistant Professor, College of Mass Communication, Ajman University
January 2019 - Present Head Department of Foreign Languages, College of Humanities and Sciences, Ajman University
October 2009 - September 2011, Lecturer, College of University Requirements, Ajman University
September 2019 - Present, Associate Professor, Department of Foreign Languages and Sciences, Ajman University
Teaching Area
- Introduction to Literature American Literature Translation (English –Arabic, Arabic- English) TOEFL Courses for IEP students IELTS Courses (for school English teachers at Ajman University-UAE & College of Technology- Madinah-KSA.) English 1 & 2 ( Matters & New Interchange 3) English for Dentistry (ESP) English for the Media (ESP) Advanced Reading Skills Advanced Writing Skills Listening Skills Speaking Skills Study Skills (Freshman) Introduction to Morphology Introduction to Phonetics Contrastive & Error Analysis Communication Skills for non-Arabs Modern Short Story, Public Speaking, Applied Linguistics and World Literature
Introduction to Literature American Literature Translation (English –Arabic, Arabic- English) TOEFL Courses for IEP students IELTS Courses (for school English teachers at Ajman University-UAE & College of Technology- Madinah-KSA.) English 1 & 2 ( Matters & New Interchange 3) English for Dentistry (ESP) English for the Media (ESP) Advanced Reading Skills Advanced Writing Skills Listening Skills Speaking Skills Study Skills (Freshman) Introduction to Morphology Introduction to Phonetics Contrastive & Error Analysis Communication Skills for non-Arabs Modern Short Story, Public Speaking, Applied Linguistics and World Literature
Research
- E-learning
- Teaching English for Specific Purposes
- TESOL
- Sociolinguistics
- Psycholinguistics
- Literary Criticism
E-learning
Teaching English for Specific Purposes
TESOL
Sociolinguistics
Psycholinguistics
Literary Criticism
Publications
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JournalBilal Zakarneh, Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Nidal Al Said, Fahad Aljabr , Revolutionizing Language Learning Through ChatGPT: An Analysis of English Language Learners, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 13, Oct 2024
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JournalZakarneh, B., Youssef, E., Rayah, M. A., & Ismail, T. , Exploring the Role of Arabic in Promoting the National Identity in the United Arab Emirates and Its Social Impacts Under the UAE Centennial Plan 2071: An Analytical Field Study, Przestrzeń Społeczna (Social Space), Vol: 24, Jul 2024
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JournalZakarneh, B., & Annamalai, N., Independence Versus Interdependence: Analyzing the Dynamics of Indian Immigrant Couple in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “A Temporary Matter”, World Journal of English Language, Vol: 14, Feb 0024
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ConferenceMuhammad Alshurideh, Bilal Zakarneh, Samer Hamadneh, Gouher Ahmed, Channaganu Paramaiah, Haitham M. Alzoubi, Artificial Intelligence in Identifying Market Opportunities: Revolutionizing Entrepreneurial Strategy and Innovation, 2024 2nd International Conference on Cyber Resilience (ICCR), Dubai, UAE
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JournalZakarneh, B., Annamalai, N., Alquqa, E. K., Mohamed, K. M., & Al Salhi, N. R. , Virtual Reality and Alternate Realities in Neal Stephenson’s "Snow Crash", World Journal of English Language, Vol: 14, Jan 2024
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JournalExploring the Adoption of Multiple Intelligences in Micro Credentials by Educators in Malaysian Higher Education, The Qualitative Report, Vol: 28, Mar 2023
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JournalAlrefaee, Y., Zakarneh, B., Kumar, T., Abdul-Ghafour, Contextual Meanings of Qur’anic Near-Synonyms and Their English Translations with Special Reference to Huzn (Grief) and Its Near-Synonyms, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, Vol: 52, pp.477 - 490, Sep 2023
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JournalStudents’ Experiences of Fairness in Online Assessment: A Phenomenological Study in a Higher Education Institution Context, SAGE Open, Jun 2023
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JournalAlArabi, K., Alsalhi, N. R., Almarashdi, H. S., Zakarneh, B., & Annamalai, N., The Role of Computer Simulations (CSs) and Artificial Intelligence on Student Learning: Moderating the Impact of the Learning Environment, Przestrzeń Społeczna (Social Space), Oct 2023
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JournalEltahir, M. E., Annamalai, N., Uthayakumaran, A., Zyoud, S. H., Zakarneh, B., & others, A Qualitative Study on Malaysian Academics' Perceptions and Suggestions on Gamified Learning, The Qualitative Report, Vol: 28, Jul 2023
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JournalAnnamalai, N., Zakarneh, B., Mangaleswaran, S., & Zyoud, S. H. , Exploration of Undergraduate Students' Lived Experiences of Using a Chatbot for English Language Learning., International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 12, pp.254 - 268, Aug 2023
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JournalNagaletchimee Annamalai , Mohd Elmagzoub Eltahir, Samer H. Zyoud, Deepa Soundrarajan, Bilal Zakarneh, Najeh Rajeh Al Salhi, Exploring English language learning via Chabot: A case study from a self-determination theory perspective, Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence, Vol: 5, Jun 2023
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JournalTizreena Ismail, Najeh Rajeh Alsalhi, Belal Zakarneh, Mohd. Elmagzoub Eltahir, Ahood Al Rawashdeh, Investigation oflanguage teacher’s identity experiences in adopting the ‘participatory’ approach through active learning spaces in undergraduate education writing classrooms, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Oct 2023
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JournalAlsalhi, N. R., Al Rawashdeh, A., Eltahir, M. E., Zakarneh, B., & Annamalai, N., Challenges in Online Learning of English as a Foreign Language During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Students’ Perspective at Ajman University, UAE., International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 12, Mar 2023
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JournalBilal Zakarneh, Nature Is the Teacher: Rational Ecocentrism for Ultimate Self-Realization in “Moby Dick” and “The Old Man and the Sea”, Information Sciences Letters, Vol: 12, pp.443 - 449 , Jan 2023, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18576/isl/120137
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JournalBilal Zakarneh, TUNING LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES TO INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AMONG LEARNERS OF ENGLISH IN ARAB UNIVERSITIES, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 11, pp.31 - 41, Feb 2022, doi: 10.18488/5019.v11i1.4419
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Examining the Effect of Teaching English Language through Literature
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Challenges Facing Students Learning ESP in Selected Arab Universities, American International Journal of Social Science, 2018 (USA)
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Utilizing Social Media Networks as Learning Tools for Foreign Languages among Arab Youth in UAE
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Challenges of Teaching English Language Classes of Slow and Fast Learners in the United Arab Emirates Universities
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Social Interactions as a Barrier to Second Language Learning: A Sociocultural Perspective
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The Use of Metadiscourse Markers in English Research Articles by Native English Writers vs. Non-Native Writers: A Comparative Analysis
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Effectiveness of E-learning Mode for Teaching English Language in Arab Universities, International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, Vol 7, No 7 (2018) (Australia)
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- Communication, Language Skills, and Modern Technology Use, Turjuman Journal, Vol 12 No 4 December 2016
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Digital communication technology and the development of Arabic library service, Journal of Amarabac, Vol. 1, No 1, (Germany)
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Teaching of English communication skills to Arab university students: Challenges and antidotes, American International Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 7, No. 4, (USA)
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Challenges facing students learning English for Specific Purposes in Arab universities, American International Journal of Social Science, Vol. 7, No 1 , (USA)
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Language ego as a barrier in English language acquisition among Arab university students, British Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 6, Issue 3 (UK)
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- English for Sociology & Social Work
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JournalBilal Zakarneh, Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Nidal Al Said, Fahad Aljabr , Revolutionizing Language Learning Through ChatGPT: An Analysis of English Language Learners, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 13, Oct 2024
Bilal Zakarneh, Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Nidal Al Said, Fahad Aljabr , Revolutionizing Language Learning Through ChatGPT: An Analysis of English Language Learners, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 13, Oct 2024
About the journal
Zakarneh, B., Youssef, E., Rayah, M. A., & Ismail, T. , Exploring the Role of Arabic in Promoting the National Identity in the United Arab Emirates and Its Social Impacts Under the UAE Centennial Plan 2071: An Analytical Field Study, Przestrzeń Społeczna (Social Space), Vol: 24, Jul 2024
About the journal
Zakarneh, B., & Annamalai, N., Independence Versus Interdependence: Analyzing the Dynamics of Indian Immigrant Couple in Jhumpa Lahiri’s “A Temporary Matter”, World Journal of English Language, Vol: 14, Feb 0024
About the journal
Muhammad Alshurideh, Bilal Zakarneh, Samer Hamadneh, Gouher Ahmed, Channaganu Paramaiah, Haitham M. Alzoubi, Artificial Intelligence in Identifying Market Opportunities: Revolutionizing Entrepreneurial Strategy and Innovation, 2024 2nd International Conference on Cyber Resilience (ICCR), Dubai, UAE
About the journal
Zakarneh, B., Annamalai, N., Alquqa, E. K., Mohamed, K. M., & Al Salhi, N. R. , Virtual Reality and Alternate Realities in Neal Stephenson’s "Snow Crash", World Journal of English Language, Vol: 14, Jan 2024
About the journal
Exploring the Adoption of Multiple Intelligences in Micro Credentials by Educators in Malaysian Higher Education, The Qualitative Report, Vol: 28, Mar 2023
About the journal
Alrefaee, Y., Zakarneh, B., Kumar, T., Abdul-Ghafour, Contextual Meanings of Qur’anic Near-Synonyms and Their English Translations with Special Reference to Huzn (Grief) and Its Near-Synonyms, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, Vol: 52, pp.477 - 490, Sep 2023
About the journal
Students’ Experiences of Fairness in Online Assessment: A Phenomenological Study in a Higher Education Institution Context, SAGE Open, Jun 2023
Eltahir, M. E., Annamalai, N., Uthayakumaran, A., Zyoud, S. H., Ramírez García, A., & Zakarneh, B. (2023). . 21582440231209816.
About the journal
AlArabi, K., Alsalhi, N. R., Almarashdi, H. S., Zakarneh, B., & Annamalai, N., The Role of Computer Simulations (CSs) and Artificial Intelligence on Student Learning: Moderating the Impact of the Learning Environment, Przestrzeń Społeczna (Social Space), Oct 2023
About the journal
Eltahir, M. E., Annamalai, N., Uthayakumaran, A., Zyoud, S. H., Zakarneh, B., & others, A Qualitative Study on Malaysian Academics' Perceptions and Suggestions on Gamified Learning, The Qualitative Report, Vol: 28, Jul 2023
About the journal
Annamalai, N., Zakarneh, B., Mangaleswaran, S., & Zyoud, S. H. , Exploration of Undergraduate Students' Lived Experiences of Using a Chatbot for English Language Learning., International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 12, pp.254 - 268, Aug 2023
About the journal
Nagaletchimee Annamalai , Mohd Elmagzoub Eltahir, Samer H. Zyoud, Deepa Soundrarajan, Bilal Zakarneh, Najeh Rajeh Al Salhi, Exploring English language learning via Chabot: A case study from a self-determination theory perspective, Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence, Vol: 5, Jun 2023
About the journal
Tizreena Ismail, Najeh Rajeh Alsalhi, Belal Zakarneh, Mohd. Elmagzoub Eltahir, Ahood Al Rawashdeh, Investigation oflanguage teacher’s identity experiences in adopting the ‘participatory’ approach through active learning spaces in undergraduate education writing classrooms, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Oct 2023
About the journal
Alsalhi, N. R., Al Rawashdeh, A., Eltahir, M. E., Zakarneh, B., & Annamalai, N., Challenges in Online Learning of English as a Foreign Language During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Students’ Perspective at Ajman University, UAE., International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 12, Mar 2023
About the journal
Bilal Zakarneh, Nature Is the Teacher: Rational Ecocentrism for Ultimate Self-Realization in “Moby Dick” and “The Old Man and the Sea”, Information Sciences Letters, Vol: 12, pp.443 - 449 , Jan 2023, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18576/isl/120137
: Hemingway and Melville offer a wide range of diversity of human beings’ conduct towards nature through their novels The Old Man and the Sea and Moby Dick, respectively. Both novels describe the characters’ interactions with nature at distinct ecocentric levels. While one protagonist shows positive interactivity towards nature (positively ecocentric), another shows a considerable disregard for nature’s majesty by placing oneself first (Anthropocentric). This paper seeks to investigate the characterization of the protagonist in the two novels through an ecocentric perceptive. In essence, the characters’ interactivity with nature will reveal their characters. This discourse places them side by side to demonstrate their similarities and dissimilarities in character, will and determination, and obsession in achieving their quest. The paper is an ecocentric analysis of the two novels to conclude whether the quest of the protagonists shows their preoccupations with revenge or self-realization.
About the journal
Bilal Zakarneh, TUNING LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES TO INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AMONG LEARNERS OF ENGLISH IN ARAB UNIVERSITIES, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 11, pp.31 - 41, Feb 2022, doi: 10.18488/5019.v11i1.4419
Teachers of English language in different contexts across the world use different strategies to cater to individual learner differences: diversified resources, spectrum of intelligences and multi-sensory experiences, tracking, adaptive teaching, etc. The present study investigated learning and teaching strategies applied by teachers of English in English as the second language (ESL) classes and those with a focus on Arab universities and the strategies to address unique individual student differences. This study reviewed the extant academic literature to identify the documented techniques used by teachers of English in different contexts with a focus on Arab university context. A structured questionnaire survey and Microsoft Excel were utilized to collect, analyze and present data respectively. Results revealed that distinct language learning behavior existed among learners of English in Arab universities: learning styles, personality, proficiency, intelligence, and motivation. As revealed in the results, particular strategies were employed by teachers of English in Arab universities to cater to individual differences among learners with adaptive teaching method as the most dominant technique. These strategies included project-based learning, classroom discussion, cooperative learning, and demonstrations, and other diverse learning materials. Teachers of L2 in Arab university can use these findings to understand what learners of English in L2 classroom needed, how they acquired and learned a language, and the ways to enhance quality learning using strategies that ensured that all learners could learn, gain maximum, and reach their full potential.
About the journal
Examining the Effect of Teaching English Language through Literature
In foreign language classrooms, the teaching of literature of imaginative works like fiction and drama, written in the English language, and the teaching of classics translated from Latin and Greek, were resurrected as an important component of teaching a language to second language learners. This is in recognition that literature plays a significant role in teaching English language in foreign language classrooms and its effects cannot be overemphasized. The present study reviews the literature on the effect of teaching the English language through literature. A brief history of English literature was explored followed by a review of literature as a source of material for teaching the English language. A review of previous research revealed that literature affects the teaching of the English language in many ways like promoting imagination, creativity and critical thinking; acting as a source of historical and important information; and facilitating cultural diversity. It was also revealed that it impacts information and knowledge by providing opportunities for developing listening, writing and speaking skills. In addition, literature also affects the teaching of English through controlled writing and understanding the literary texts. This study contributes to the literature on second language acquisition by demonstrating the value and relevance of literature as a source of second language acquisition. It emphasizes the importance of integrating literature as useful material in teaching English as a second language.
About the journal
Challenges Facing Students Learning ESP in Selected Arab Universities, American International Journal of Social Science, 2018 (USA)
Utilizing Social Media Networks as Learning Tools for Foreign Languages among Arab Youth in UAE
In the globalized world, social media networks have become popular information-sharing platforms used extensively as web-based learning facilitation tools for learning purposes. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, the present study evaluated the usability, usefulness, and impact of social media networks as learning tools for Arab youth. It also explored the attitudes of Arab learners of foreign languages towards the use of social media networking sites as learning tools. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using an E-questionnaire from (400) Arab youth who come from different countries but reside in UAE. Data was analyzed and the Results revealed that Arab youth held positive attitudes towards social media as useful tools for learning languages as they have extensively embraced these tools to learn foreign languages. They predominantly use Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, as their favorite social media networks. The study also revealed that Arab youth have been using social media as learning tools for a period spanning several years demonstrating that they understand its usefulness as learning tools for learning languages; especially because they feel comfortable during their experience on social media networks. In view of this result, the study recommended that teachers of foreign languages should embrace Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram networks as learning tools in order to capture the interest of their students and make the learning of foreign languages effective.
About the journal
Challenges of Teaching English Language Classes of Slow and Fast Learners in the United Arab Emirates Universities
One of the greatest challenges experienced by teachers teaching students who learn English as a foreign or a second language is teaching a class consisting of fast learners and slow learners commonly referred to as mixed-ability classes. The present study investigates challenges experienced by teachers of English language classes encompassing slow learners and fast learners. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using Microsoft excel. Results revealed that teachers of English language experience several challenges: mixed-ability classes tend to be uncooperative and fast learners get bored easily; challenges in planning for the lesson to teach a mixed-ability class; challenges in creating appropriate work-materials for the mixed-ability class; lack of best approaches to manage mixed-ability class; challenges in getting attention of all learners in a mixed-ability class; and frustration when teaching mixed-ability classroom due to low motivation of weak students.
About the journal
Social Interactions as a Barrier to Second Language Learning: A Sociocultural Perspective
Peer interactions between learners are useful as such interactions have linguistic value to learners of the second language in both academic and non-academic classrooms. However, for learners of the second language, social interaction challenges may impact their learning and acquisition of the second language. The present study investigates from the sociocultural perspective whether social interactions are barriers to second-language acquisition and education between Arab undergraduates’ students of English in Arab universities. The study used the descriptive approach. A questionnaire was distributed to 240 randomly selected learners whose results revealed that sociocultural factors or lack of thereof might serve as a barrier to conversational interactions from the perspective of students. For learners of the second language, attributes like language ego, fear, low self-esteem, aptitude, and low motivation influence their involvement in conversational interactions. As a result, it can be observed how they perceive themselves and how their peers see them in academic classrooms. The results of the study indicate the extent to which social interactions as barriers to second language learning vary according to gender; however, no statistical difference from the point of view of the type of the university was evident in this study. The study recommends further research into the social interactions as barriers to second language learning in higher education institutions.
About the journal
The Use of Metadiscourse Markers in English Research Articles by Native English Writers vs. Non-Native Writers: A Comparative Analysis
Metadiscourse markers are considered useful for conveying ideas to the audience; producing and organizing persuasive writing based on expectations and norms of individuals involved; communicating effectively to readers; signaling the speaker’s or writer’s attitude, engage the audience and organize the discourse. This study compared the use of metadiscourse markers in English research articles by native English writers and non-native English researchers. Metadiscourse markers were identified based on the metadiscourse model as interactive and interactional markers. The researcher read all the forty (40) English applied linguistic research articles carefully and undertook a search for interactional markers in the introduction, material & methods, result & discussion, and conclusion sections. The articles were obtained from Arabic Journals of Humanities and International Academic Journals. Data analysis was undertaken using an independent sample two-tailed t-test. Results revealed that native English writers differ from nonnative English writers in their use of interactive and interactional metadiscourse markers. Non-native English writers should master the use of metadiscourse devices in order to write appealing and high-quality research articles, convey ideas to the audience; produce and organize persuasive writing based on expectations and norms of individual involved; communicate effectively to readers; signal the speaker’s attitude, engage the audience and organize the discourse research articles.
About the journal
Effectiveness of E-learning Mode for Teaching English Language in Arab Universities, International Journal of Applied Linguistics and English Literature, Vol 7, No 7 (2018) (Australia)
- Communication, Language Skills, and Modern Technology Use, Turjuman Journal, Vol 12 No 4 December 2016
Digital communication technology and the development of Arabic library service, Journal of Amarabac, Vol. 1, No 1, (Germany)
Teaching of English communication skills to Arab university students: Challenges and antidotes, American International Journal of Contemporary Research, Vol. 7, No. 4, (USA)
Challenges facing students learning English for Specific Purposes in Arab universities, American International Journal of Social Science, Vol. 7, No 1 , (USA)
Language ego as a barrier in English language acquisition among Arab university students, British Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 6, Issue 3 (UK)
- English for Sociology & Social Work
About the journal
Bilal Zakarneh, Nagaletchimee Annamalai, Nidal Al Said, Fahad Aljabr , Revolutionizing Language Learning Through ChatGPT: An Analysis of English Language Learners, International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, Vol: 13, Oct 2024
About the journal
Conference Presentation
- Conferences/Workshops • Organized: Delivered a professional development workshop for ELU staff, AUST, The Advantages & Disadvantages of E-Learning, January 2011
- TESOL ARABIA & AUST Celebrating Excellence in English Language Teaching, Feb 2009 (AUST Ajman)
- Catering to Individual Differences among Learners of English in Arab Universities: Learning & Teaching Strategies Used
Conferences/Workshops • Organized: Delivered a professional development workshop for ELU staff, AUST, The Advantages & Disadvantages of E-Learning, January 2011
TESOL ARABIA & AUST Celebrating Excellence in English Language Teaching, Feb 2009 (AUST Ajman)
Catering to Individual Differences among Learners of English in Arab Universities: Learning & Teaching Strategies Used
Memberships, Awards and Honors
- British Association for Applied Linguistics (BAAL)
- - Member of the European Centre for Research, Training and Development (ECRTD) UK
- Indo-American Research Center