English as Lingua Franca: Exploring the Challenge of English Proficiency in Vietnamese Graduate Student Learning

• In Event: 14.024 - Language, Reading, and Writing

Abstract

This paper explores the learning experiences of Vietnamese graduate students enrolled at Vietnamese-German University (VGU), a transnational collaborative university that uses English as the language of instruction. We seek to understand the experiences of graduate students at VGU as they use English as lingua franca, particularly focusing on the challenges they face as well as learning strategies used to navigate these challenges. This study illuminates the need to critically examine the growing trend of utilizing English as a global language of instruction, which maintains language dominance in academia that may prove to be challenging for students. Results from this study also include implications for instructors to better meet the needs of non-native English learners in the classroom.

Authors

• Christina Yao, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

• Crystal Eufemia Garcia, Auburn University

• Courtney Collins, University of Nebraska - Lincoln