i BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCIES OF FIRST YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS OF THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: BASIS FOR CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES A Dissertation Presented to The Faculty of Graduate School Batangas State University Batangas City, Philippines In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy Major in English By: NGUYEN LAN HUONG ( PERFUME) Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn i THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines APPROVAL SHEET This dissertation entitled SOCIOLINGUISTIC COMPETENCIES OF FIRST YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS OF THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: BASIS FOR CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES prepared and submitted by NGUYEN LAN HUONG in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy major in English has been examined and is recommended for Oral Examination Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn ii THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines ABSTRACT Title : Sociolinguistics Competencies of First Year College Students of Thai Nguyen University System: Basic for Creativity Ehancement Activities Author : Nguyen Lan Huong (Perfume) Course : Doctor of Philosophy Major : English Year : 2015 Adviser : Dr Amada Bannag SUMMARY This study was undertaken to determine the sociolinguistic competencies of first-year college students of Thai Nguyen University to propose creativity enhancement activities A descriptive method was employed in this study which includes a total of 400 students and 57 English teachers who serve as the respondents In this study, a survey questionnaire and researcher -made test were used The data were analyzed using frequency distribution, weighted mean, regression analysis, One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn iii THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines and Pearson-product Moment Correlation using 0.05 level of significance The study seeks to answers to the following questions: What is the profile of the students in terms of: 1.1 Age 1.2 Gender 1.3 Educational attainment of parents 1.4 Exposure to the English language 1.5 Family income 1.6 Type of high school graduated from? What is the level of students‘ sociolinguistic performance? How teachers assess the level of students‘ sociolinguistic competencies with reference to? 3.1 Respect 3.2 Friendliness 3.3 Confidence 3.4 Resourcefulness 3.5 Emotional maturity? Are there significant differences on the students‘ level of sociolinguistic competencies as assessed by the teachers when grouped according to their profile variables? Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn iv BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam Are there significant relationships between the students‘ performance and teachers‘ assessments on sociolinguistic competencies? Which among the parameters of sociolinguistic competencies as assessed by the teachers‘ respondents are strongly manifested by students? What creativity enhancement activities may be prepared towards improved sociolinguistic competencies? The study found out that most of the respondents belong to age bracket of 16 to 20 years old, females who graduated from public schools and exposed to English language on university level They mostly come from low to average income earners with both parents are only high school diploma holders The level of sociolinguistics performance of the respondents‘ was on the normal range, not so fluent but not pitiable The respondents‘ were able to obtain this level of performance since they have the ability to know how to speak to different people in different situations Teachers positively assessed that students‘ possessed a good competence in terms of sociolinguistic aspect There is no significant difference on the students‘ level of sociolinguistic competencies as assessed by the teachers when grouped according to profile variables There is no Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn v THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines statistically significant relationship between the students‘ performance and the teachers‘ assessment on sociolinguistic competencies The five independent variables (respect, friendliness, confidence, resourcefulness and emotional maturity) was not considered the best predictor of the students sociolinguistic competencies Creativity enhancement activity is planned for implementation and evaluation to improve the students‘ sociolinguistic competence It is therefore recommened that language students‘ may need to understand pragmatic aspects of the target culture better in order not only to speak grammatically but also to interpret appropriately what they hear and to interact effectively in the class Students‘ may learn how to use and interpret the sociolinguistic rules of English in various contexts by developing awareness on areas in which sociolinguistic system of his/her own culture from those of other cultures Students may develop common speech pattern to bond quickly and establish friendship to other students with different cultures Teachers may need to incorporate many cross-cultural analyses in their teaching in order to address learners‘ possible communicative problems Teachers may use the creativity enhancement exercises to imrove the sociolinguistics performance Follow-up study may be conducted to focus on the effectiveness of the proposed creativity enhancement activity Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn vi THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines ACKNOWLEDGMENT The writer extends her sincerest thanks and appreciations to those people who in one way or another have helped make this piece of work a reality Dr.Dang Kim Vui, President of Thai Nguyen University, for establishing the international cooperation relationship between BSU and TNU Dr Hoang Bich Thao, Director for International Training Center, for her assistance and for supporting the researcher a chance to gain professional growth through completion of this study The Panel of Examiners, for their honest and meaningful comments and recommendation to go on with this research work Dr Amada Banaag, her adviser and mentor, who drained all her effort and her best during the entire preparation and revision of this study To the Rectors of universities, for their permission to conduct the research at Thai Nguyen Universities To the teachers - respondents of the study, for their active involvement and cooperation Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn vii THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines To the students who served as her respondents for their assistance and collaboration in providing information necessary for the completion of the study To her husband and her children, for inspiring her fulfill her dream To her ever dearest friends, and relatives who in one way or another, gave her encouragement and remarkable support N.L.H Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn viii THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines DEDICATION With pride and honor, This piece of work is lovingly dedicated To her beloved parents, her loving husband and to her children N L H Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn ix THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT i ACKNOWLEDGMENT vi DEDICATION viii TABLE OF CONTENTS ix LIST OF TABLES xii CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM Introduction .1 Statement of the Problem Scope, Delimitation and Limitation of the Study .7 Significance of the Study II REVIEW OF LITERATURE Conceptual Literature 10 Theoretical Framework 44 Conceptual Framework 47 Hypotheses of the Study 48 Definition of Terms 49 Số hóa Trung tâm Học liệu – ĐHTN http://www.lrc.tnu.edu.vn 140 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Support other people verbally and non-verbally Reflect in their eyes the feeling of being communicated Use gestures when they communicate Use friendly facial expressions in communication 10 Practice open-minded communication III Confidence Students are able to: Feel comfortable asking questions in front of their classmates during class discussion Feel comfortable asking questions to their classmates in a one-onone setting Feel comfortable asking questions to their teacher in a one-on-one setting Show confidence that others can understand the questions that they ask Willing to ask questions Give up doing their homework/ assignment when the problems get hard Ask questions when they are having difficulty in doing their assignment Find it very easy to communicate on a one-to-one basis with strangers Tell jokes, anecdotes and stories whenever they communicate 10 Assert themselves in social situations IV Resourcefulness Students are able to: Think of how other people feel Approach different situations in a systematic way Postpone unpleasant tasks that they can perform immediately Resolve disagreements Speak very frequently in most social situations 10 Become courageous in most social situations Welcome healthy arguments Emphasize a point using a concrete language Handle unforeseen situations Innovative in doing things V Emotional maturity Students are able to: Communicate clearly and respectfully to the needs and perspectives of others Listen to others and experience empathy Depend on others to validate decisions Speak in public or to strangers Broaden their horizon Frank on others who hurt them or make their lives difficult Feel good about themselves even without the approval of others Welcome disagreements as part of a healthy discussion Share problems with peers comfortably 10 Stop and think first on what to next 141 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix C Test on Socioliguistics Competence Sociolinguistic Test Dear Respondents, I am currently conducting my research entitled ―Sociolinguistic Competencies of First Year College Students of Thai Nguyen University System: Basis for Creativity Enhancement” in partial fulfillment for the degree leading to Ph.D in English Language under the joint program of Batangas State University-Philippines and Thai Nguyen University-College of Agriculture and Forestry through the International Training Center, Vietnam In this regard, for the successful completion of my research, I would like to request for your assistance in doing the test in relation to my field of study Rest be assured that your answers to this questionnaire will be treated confidential Thank you Yours respectfully, Nguyen Lan Huong (Perfume) Researcher Part I Select the best answer by ticking the letter of your choice Inquiring about a forgot ten name A Who are you? What‘s your name? B Can tell me you name again, please? C I‘m sorry Could I ask your name again, please? Showing interest A Uh-huh B Oh, that‘s nice to hear C Oh, really I glad to hear that What parts have you visited so far? Expressing unavailability of requested items 142 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines A We don‘t have any more B Sorry, sir We‘re all out right now C Sorry, sir We‘re all out just now Could I suggest something else? Asking for a decision A Which one? B Which one would you like? C Have you decided which one you‘d like? Checking understanding of directions A Got it? B Have you got that? C Where you able to get all of that? Making recommendations A Try the Newbury Hotel B I would recommend the Newbury Hotel C May I recommend the Newbury Hotel? It‘s excellent Acknowledging requests A Ok Sure Of course Yup B Yes, sir C Yes, certainly, sir Dressing on the side Making and turning down requests A I‘m sorry sir / ma‘am, but I‘m afraid the kitchen is closed now B I'm sorry, but the kitchen is closed now C Sorry, the kitchen is closed Asking for help and responding to such requests A Of course How may I be of assistance? B Certainly How can I help you? C Sure What it is? 10 Apologizing A I‘m sorry I‘m very sorry B I‘m really sorry I‘m so sorry C Please accept my sincere apology Please accept my deepest apology 11 Checking that an inquiry is complete A Will that be all for you? B Is there anything else I can for you? C Is that all? 12 Telling someone that something is not permitted A Sorry, smoking is not allowed here B I‘m sorry, but I must ask you not smoke here, please C This is non-smoking area 13 Checking customer satisfaction 143 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines A Is everything to your satisfaction, sir / madam? B Is everything all right, sir / madam? C Okay, sir / madam? 14 Formal and informal diction A Just a moment, please Just a second Hang on a bit B Excuse me, sir / ma‘am Please give me a moment, I‘ll be right with you C One moment, please I‘ll be right with you Part II Match each question on the left with the most suitable response on the right by writing the letter before each number 15 Nice weather today, isn‘t it? A Not too bad, but the plane ride was a little bumpy at first 16 How was your trip? B I came last week 17 Have you visited our city before? C Yes, I‘m attending a conference But after that I‘m planning to spend a few days sightseeing 18 What you think of the country so far? 19 Where are you from? 20 .When did you arrive? D I‘m American, but I‘m living in HongKong right now E No, this is my first time here F Yes It‘s been really nice out for the past few days 21 Are you here for business G.It‘s wonderful I‘m really having a good time 22 Are you travelling alone? H I came here with some friends of mine Part III Match each sentence on the left with the best response on the right 23 Can I sit beside you? 24 Would you mind if I leave ahead? 25 Do you need more magazines to read? A No, of course not B Yes, they are mine Thanks C We have three rates, sir Would you like a single room, a double room, or a suite? 144 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines 26 Are these your books? D Yes, they are lovely 27 I need overhead E E I‘ll repeat your request, sir You projectors in both Conference want two conference rooms on the rooms 11th of June, both with overhead Is that correct? 28 Is this pen what you are F.No, thanks I am full looking for? 29 Will you be coming on G.Yes, you can Saturday? 30 These flowers are lovely, H No, thank you aren‘t they? 31 Please eat with us I Sure, I will See you 32 I‘m calling to inquire K Exactly Thanks a lot about your room rates Part IV – Two people are chatting about travel plans and A asks for a recommendation Match the beginnings of the conversations, to the left, with B’s response on the right Column A Column B 33 I‘m taking a trip to Dallas Can you Recommend a good hotel? A Try Golden Treasures It may cost a little more than some of the otherPlaces, but the food and service are excellent I‘m sure you like it 34 I highly recommend Highland Park Duty Free B.On yes, I would definitely recommend it.I‘ve been there several times Its Great 35 Where can I take some bussiness clients out for a nice dinner? C I suggest you try Midtown Suites It‘s a new hotel, and its very conveniently Located in the business district 36 Have you tried Beach Cove Resort? D The prices are generally better than the Other duty free places It‘s got a big selection, too I always go there 145 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Part V- A Fill in the blanks with the correct expressions A Would that be B a mix up C to look at D then you can E let me check F You say your G did you write H I check that I how long your J for your right 37 My apologies, sir There‘s been _ We only have non-smoking rooms available today 38 Sorry about the inconvenience, sir What we can is put your in a non-smoking room tonight and move you to a smoking room in the morning acceptable? 39 when you wanted it returned on the laundry form? 40 I see for you, sir I‘ll call you back in five minutes 41 I‘m sorry, Ms Hara Did air conditioning isn‘t working? 42 You need to place your key card I the socket next to your door operate all the electrical appliances in your room 43 A mistake? Can , please, ma‘am? 44 I see I‘m very sorry about that I‘ll organize the correct bill _ away 45 I‘m sorry about that, sir Do you know _ shower has been without hot water? 46 I understand I‘ll send someone up immediately _your shower Sorry about the inconvenience, sir Part V – B Fill in the blanks with the correct expressions A Thanks B Excuse me C Do you want D Would you like 47 where are elevators? 48 We can organize that, sir _ to know the extra cost? 49 information about the other channels, too? 50 I won‘t need those 146 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix D Letters of Request to the Head of Institution 147 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines 148 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines 149 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix E Documents for Validation of Questionaires Teachers’ questionaire validation Dry run of students’ test questionaire 150 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix G: Photographs of the Study Sites University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) University of Information and Communication Technology (UICT) University of Education (UE) University of Economic and Bussiness Administration University of Sciences 151 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix H: Photographs of the Approval Test Administration of the Head of Institutions University of Information and Communication Technology University of Education University of Economic and Business Administration University of Sciences University of Agriculture and Forestry 152 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix K Photographs of the Teachers-Respondents Teachers- Respondents at TUEA Teachers- Respondents at TUAF Teachers- Respondents at TUICT 153 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines Appendix L Photographs of the Students Respondents Students-Respondents at Thai Nguyen University of Education Students-Respondents at Thai Nguyen University of Sciences Students-Respondents at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Foestry Students-Respondents at Thai Nguyen University of Information and Communiction Technology Students-Respondents at Thai Nguyen University of Economic and Business Administration 154 THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY Socialist Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines CURRICULUM VITAE Name: NGUYEN LAN HUONG Address: Quyet Thang Commune, Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen Province Mobile no 01686323307 E-mail add: lanhuong_tuaf@yahoo.com PERSONAL INFORMATION Date of Birth : July 23rd, 1983 Place of Birth : Thai Nguyen Province, Viet Nam Age : 31 Nationality : Vietnamese Religion : No Sex : Female Civil Status : Married Spouse : Phan Dinh Binh Children‘ names : Phan Huong Lam Phan Dinh Dung EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 2007-2009 Master of Arts Major in English Laguna State Polytechnic University, 1991-1996 Bachelor of Arts Major in English Thai Nguyen University WORK EXPERIENCE Lecturer Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry 2005 - present ... universities of TNU namely: Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Thai Nguyen university of Education, Thai Nguyen University of Economic and Business Administration, Thai Nguyen University. .. Republic of Vietnam BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY Republic of the Philippines ABSTRACT Title : Sociolinguistics Competencies of First Year College Students of Thai Nguyen University System: Basic for Creativity. .. YEAR COLLEGE STUDENTS OF THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM: BASIS FOR CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES prepared and submitted by NGUYEN LAN HUONG in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the