An Exploration of the English Spoken Language Skills of Iraqi Postgraduate Students Studying in Two Regional Australian Universities: A Functional Linguistics Analysis

Abstract

<p>This study explored the spoken English language experience of Iraqi postgraduate students at two Australian regional universities. Specifically, it investigated the spoken English language demands placed on postgraduate students during their candidature and the resulting difficulties. Spoken English demands and difficulties were investigated generally, and with a particular focus on the use of spoken academic registers. The research employed a multilayered theoretical framework informed by positivist and interpretivist paradigms and carried out analysis using systemic functional linguistics (SFL). Accordingly, a multi-methods approach was implemented, eliciting both quantitative and qualitative data using the instruments of survey, participant interviews and supervision interviews. Quantitative data was analysed using a positivist paradigm; whilst the interpretivist paradigm and SFL were used in analysis and interpretation of qualitative data. The study’s analyses revealed that the demands and difficulties candidates faced during their postgraduate programs were great, including at the level of academic register. High demands and many difficulties were unsurprising given the reported inadequate English proficiency at the outset of degrees. Inadequate English proficiency was determined to be a result of poor prior learning experiences in Iraq, as well as cultural differences. The results of this study could inform university faculties and their language institutions, impacting the design of English language programs and the education of supervising staff of postgraduate students. They could also inform the Ministry of Education in Iraq, as well as those of other countries, of the need for a robust English language curriculum review or design at all levels of education to meet international education requirements of English as a global language.</p>