CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and is commonly used as a second language by people of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. However, the complexities of English grammar and punctuation can pose a challenge for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, particularly when it comes to the use of punctuation marks such as the colon and semicolon.

The colon and semicolon are punctuation marks that are used to link related clauses, phrases, or words in a sentence. They are used to indicate a relationship between ideas, and can be particularly useful in academic writing, where clarity and precision are essential. However, the rules governing the use of colon and semicolon can be complex and may pose a challenge for ESL learners.

1.2 Problem Statement

Despite the importance of colon and semicolon in English writing, there is limited research on the use of these punctuation marks by ESL learners. While previous studies have explored the challenges that ESL learners face when using other punctuation marks, such as commas and apostrophes, little is known about the challenges that ESL learners face when using colon and semicolon.

The lack of research on this topic is significant, as it may hinder the development of effective instructional materials and strategies to support ESL learners’ use of colon and semicolon. It is therefore important to investigate the challenges that ESL learners face when using these punctuation marks and to identify strategies to address these challenges.

1.3 Research Questions

1. What are the challenges that ESL learners face when using colon and semicolon?
2. How do ESL learners perceive their ability to use colon and semicolon?
3. How does the use of colon and semicolon vary depending on the learner’s L1?
4. What recommendations can be made to support ESL learners’ use of colon and semicolon?

Check out: English Language Project Topics with Materials