Meng (Jenny) Sijia, a Laidlaw Scholar at The University of Hong Kong, investigates the linguistic challenges in ESL learning.
Research Title:
Influence of First Language on Learning English as a Second Language (ESL)
In the field of ESL learning, the influence of one’s first language (L1) on second language (L2) production is evident. Such influence may manifest in various aspects of L2 learning especially perception and production of L2 sounds. With English being the international language, in China alone, over 400 million native speakers of Mandarin Chinese are currently learning L2 English, the so-called ESL speakers. In the research project, I aim to investigate the potential impacts of L1 Mandarin on learning L2 English and identify their pronunciation error patterns.
The study was mainly conducted at HKU Speech Science Laboratory. Two groups of 30 adult ESL speakers were recruited randomly and instructed to produce a list of standard English words with vowel contrasts. I used an M-audio track machine to record their pronunciation of English words and tried to create specific spectrograms using Praat, a signal analysis software. Then I mainly analyzed the first (F1) and second formants (F2) obtained from their recordings and made comparisons with the standard sounds of native British-accent speakers. My finding revealed that L1 Mandarin bilingual speaks’ average F1 and F2 are higher than the standard native-English speakers. More specifically, the average formant frequencies of females are higher than the males.
After examining the specific L1 influences and error patterns behind, the research using acoustic analysis can help bilingual Mandarin speakers to get professional advice on improving their L2 English learning and communication. Educators can design more targeted teaching strategies to address their linguistic challenges. Thus, L1 Mandarin ESL speakers can achieve higher pronunciation accuracy and become more English-native-like.
Where did your passion for this research originate?
My passion for this linguistic research originates from my own experience as an ESL learner. As a native Mandarin speaker, I have encountered challenges related to inaccurate English pronunciation.
When I started learning English, I struggled with unfamiliar sounds and phonetic structures. The fear of mispronouncing words and being misunderstood often made me hesitant to speak up in class or engage in conversations. I felt self-conscious about my accent and worried that it might hinder effective communication. These personal experiences motivated my interest in understanding the underlying factors contributing to pronunciation difficulties and accent formation in ESL learners. I wanted to explore how the phonetic differences between Mandarin and English could influence pronunciation acquisition.
My personal story serves as an example of the struggles and fears that ESL learners may face. Through my research, I aim to find out effective strategies and interventions to help L1 Mandarin ESL learners including me to overcome pronunciation challenges and develop confidence in their English-speaking abilities. My research indeed made changes for me. I am doing my Leadership in Action project in Mexico City now and have many opportunities to communicate with native English speakers. I become more confident in talking with them and have effective communication without worries about my pronunciation. I also hope that my research can contribute to the development of tailored teaching methodologies and resources that address the specific needs of learners from different linguistic backgrounds.
The spectrogram finding of one speaker.
How have you applied your leadership skills in real life? What are some insights & lessons from your experience?
I applied my leadership skills in various real-life scenarios, taking my startup experience as an example.
In Year 1, I set up an online education platform called Glow Education with my friends. I think that as effective leaders, firstly we should have a clear vision and set achievable goals aligning a common purpose for our startups. Once our team was formed, I empowered my teammates by delegating responsibilities, providing autonomy, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. I tried to unlock their full potential and inspire them to work towards a shared goal, resulting in increased creativity and productivity.
It is really common to have some conflicts among team members. At this stage, effective communication and active listening are necessary. I communicated with all team members about their expectations, feedback and concerns. I believe that open and transparent communication builds trust, strengthens relationships, and encourages idea exchange. Startups often face uncertainties and challenges, requiring leaders to be adaptable and resilient. I navigated through changing market dynamics, pivot when necessary, and make informed final decisions. Demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude during challenging times inspires confidence in the team and encourages us to move forward.
In summary, effective leadership includes having a clear goal, empowering teams, fostering open communications and being adaptable and resilient.
What are your top 3 leadership tips?
Never stop learning
Foster collaboration with others
Lead by examples
What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?
For me, being a Laidlaw scholar has been a transformative experience. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to delve into my passion for linguistic research and challenge me to push the boundaries of my knowledge and skills. Additionally, the sense of community among fellow Laidlaw scholars is so incredible. Through near-peer initiatives and LiA projects, I have formed connections with like-minded individuals who inspired me to reach new heights.
Overall, my Laidlaw scholar journey has not only expanded my academic horizons but has also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to make more contributions to our society through research and leadership. I am immensely grateful to the Laidlaw Scholars Program for shaping me into a resilient and empowered scholar, ready to tackle challenges and make a difference in the world.
My LiA project in Make Sense Mexico.
Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why?
Marie Curie is one of the leaders who inspires me the most. As a pioneering scientist, she made significant contributions to the field of physics and chemistry.
Marie Curie's dedication to scientific exploration and her relentless pursuit of knowledge are truly inspiring. Despite facing numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated scientific field, she persevered and achieved groundbreaking discoveries. Her work on radioactivity, including the discovery of polonium and radium, revolutionized our understanding of atomic structure and laid the foundation for modern nuclear physics. What sets Marie Curie apart is not only her scientific accomplishments but also her unwavering determination and resilience. She overcame societal barriers and defied conventions to pursue her passion for science. Her courage and tenacity in the face of adversity remind me that one can break barriers and achieve greatness through perseverance.
Furthermore, Marie Curie's commitment to applying scientific knowledge for the betterment of society is inspiring. During World War I, she established mobile radiography units to provide medical assistance to wounded soldiers. Her selflessness and dedication to serving others demonstrate the importance of using one's talents and skills for the greater good.
Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.
In the future, I envision a society characterized by sustainability and environmental protection.
During my LiA project in Mexico City, I realized that environmental protection is urgent. I hope to see our urban centers with vast green spaces, allowing people to enjoy the beauty of nature. High-rise buildings will be adorned with green vegetation, with rooftops and walls transformed into ecological landscapes that absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
People will adopt sustainable lifestyles and participate in daily recycling and waste segregation. Electric vehicles and public transportation become the primary modes of transportation. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will be widely utilized, providing a clean energy supply for the city. Environmental education will also be integrated into school curricula, fostering a deep appreciation for the importance of natural resources.
I am attending my Leadership-in-Action project with make_sense organization in Mexico now. Our project topic is about climate change and its social impacts. I joined one local socio-ecological community called Huerto Roma Verde and helped it promote sustainable tourism. After conducting some research, I tried to create a user persona and found that the tourists were facing challenges such as language barriers, no clear clues about what the purpose of the organization was, difficulty in finding the exit, etc. With the help of local volunteers, we are at the stage of designing better user journey mapping to improve user experience. After six weeks of working, I believe that we could make some progress and improve my leadership skills.
If you want to learn more about Meng (Jenny) Sijia's work, explore Jenny's research here and follow her on LinkedIn. Jennyis a Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholar at@The University of Hong Kong. Become a Laidlaw Scholar to conduct a research project of your choice, develop your leadership skills, and join a global community of changemakers from world-leading universities.
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