Important Quotations Explaination

Word Processor’s Grammar and Spelling Assistance:
Consequences for Second Language Learning and Teaching
Ingrid Fandrych
National University of Lesotho (Roma, Lesotho)

ABSTRACT * This paper was conducted to determine the usefulness of modern word processors in terms of their grammar and spelling assistance and discuss its consequences for second language learning and teaching. * Are these facilities going to omit the Grammar component that has traditionally been part of the Academic Writing courses?

INTRODUCTION * Among both academics and university students, the grammar and spell checks facilities are widely and commonly being used with computers and word processors. * This study is attempts to identify the most frequently used processors- Word and WordPerfect on a variety of text types. * With the help from some examples to determine the efficiency of the suggestions made by the word processors.

METHODOLOGY * Subjects/Participants 1. Nadine Gordimer 2. Noam Chomsky 3. David Le Page 4. Mochabane LBBJ 5. Timothy Reagan 6. Ed Vulliami 7. Student A 8. Student B 9. Student C 10. Student D (A First Year Education Student on Death Penalty)

* Settings 1. Edit and Tools Menus of Word97’ 2. English (South African) 3. Check spelling as you type (Switched ON) 4. Check grammar as you type (Switched ON) 5. Always suggest corrections (Switched ON) 6. Standard style * Method 1. Text analysis

RESULTS * Word97’ can be extremely stubborn as far as the arrangement of lists of sectioned passages is concerned, and Word’s constant criticism of ‘fragments’ in the references sections can be irritating. * Grammar component in English for Academic Purposes cannot be reduced or even omitted away with as far as Word97’ is concerned. * What it can do is draw the attention of its users to pay a little more consideration in certain problematic areas; for example long sentences.

DISCUSSION * WordPerfect seems to be rather more flexible than Word97’ in particular because it gives the user several options to choose from in terms of the more mechanistic counting processes. * Word 2000 grammar checker flags mistakes and offers more effective user-friendly grammar, and rewrite suggestions. * WordPerfect is more critical than others, but it also entails a number of problematic suggestions and analysis, especially in the area of agreement and word classes.

CONCLUSION * Word processors cannot yet solve all the problems face by most of its users when composing texts, especially if English is not their first language. * May consider all of the comments made by the software but do not always follow its advice. * There is no perfect grammar checker at present.

REFERENCES * Fandrych, Ingrid, 1999 (in print), 'Socio-Pragmatic and Cultural Aspects of Teaching
English for Academic Purposes in Lesotho ', Southern African Journal of Applied Language Studies.

Reference:
Fandrych, I. (2001). Word Processors’ Grammar and Spelling Assistance: Consequences for Second Language Learning and Teaching. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VII. Retrieved from: http://iteslj.org/Articles/Fandrych-WordPro.html

References: * Fandrych, Ingrid, 1999 (in print), 'Socio-Pragmatic and Cultural Aspects of Teaching English for Academic Purposes in Lesotho ', Southern African Journal of Applied Language Studies. Reference: Fandrych, I. (2001). Word Processors’ Grammar and Spelling Assistance: Consequences for Second Language Learning and Teaching. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. VII. Retrieved from: http://iteslj.org/Articles/Fandrych-WordPro.html