Pakistani University Teachers’ Perceptions of English Language Competence and its Impact on their Research Publication Endeavors
Keywords:
Academic English, Research Writing, English Language competence, Research PublicationAbstract
English enjoys the status of the language of research communication across all disciplines in the world. It has earned this reputation through its widespread adoption in higher education and research communication. Hence, English language competence plays a significant role in a non-native English speaking researcher’s career success. For this reason, this study examined how Pakistani university teachers perceive English competence and it impact on their research publication efforts. The study used interviews to collect data from the faculty members at an HEC recognized university in Karachi as their promotion and career growth is tied to their publications which depends on their English language proficiency. As per the results, the faculty fully acknowledged the importance and necessity of good English language competence for a successful research career. However, they also reported that they felt that they lacked the required competence in English academic wiring which sometimes discouraged them form undertaking research activities. The findings of this study highlight the need for immediate and effective interventions to train faculty in research writing and academic English to improve the overall research output of the country.
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