Published Works

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Communication Strategies in Translation ; Babel: International Journal of Translation , 2008 Abstract   According to Nord’s approach (1991) strategic competence is believed to be crucial in dealing with translation problems. It plays an important role as a regulating mechanism, compensating for deficiencies in the other sub-competencies and contributes towards solving the problems that arise. Nord also argues that there is a need for further research that can provide empirical data derived from the problems encountered by translators. The data can also be relevant to the mechanisms the translators use in solving problems.   Based on Nord’s claim, this study has investigated the communication strategies used by a sample of thirty six Saudi majors at the College of Languages and Translation at King Saud University in Riyadh. First, the strategies employed by Saudi students to compensate for any difficulties they encountered during translation process were examined. The subjects involved were asked to translate a one- page text from their native language, Arabic, into English. It was found that approximation was the most frequently used communication strategy. The other strategies used in order of frequency were circumlocution, message abandonment/reduction, and literal translation. These strategies are elaborated along with recommendations to provide more insights into how to develop students’ strategic competence in translation.
Strategic Competence in an ELT Syllabus - Published in ITL: International Journal of Applied Linguistics, Vol. 145-146, 2004 Article Abstract:
Communication strategies (CSs) are important in helping second/foreign language learners to communicate successfully when they are faced with a production problem due to their lack of linguistic knowledge. This paper aims to support the importance of developing second language learners’ strategic competence and making communication strategies part of English language teaching and ELT syllabus. This paper first discusses the various definitions of strategic competence and communication strategies. Then it briefly presents various communication strategies used by second language learners to solve their communication problems. The major portion of this paper is devoted to strategy training and its advantages in language learning. Finally, the paper concludes with the importance of introducing tasks and activities on communication strategies in ELT syllabus, and suggests ways for improving teaching methodology to develop strategic competence. Communication Problems Facing Arab Learners of English - Published in Journal of Language and Learning, Vol. 3, No. 1. (pp. 180-197)   Article Abstract: It has been argued by many researchers that Arab learners of English encounter many problems in communication. Therefore, this paper aims to highlight these problems and offer a solution. The major portion of this paper is devoted to presenting the communication problems of Arab learners of English in general, and the problems specific to Arab World University English language majors/graduates. Then, it highlights the reasons behind such a chronic problem. It defines strategic competence and communication strategies, and it briefs on taxonomies of communication strategies. Then, it presents the solution to such a persistent problem with special reference to the significance of strategic competence; that is, how they lead to language learning. The paper concludes with the pedagogical implications of communication strategies.
Information Transmission of English Majors in Jordan: Their use of Communication Strategies - Published in Journal of King Saud University , Vol. 18, 2006 Article Abstract: This article reports an empirical research into the relationship between L2 learners' target language proficiency/task type and their ability to transmit comprehensible messages to their listeners. In order to test the assumption that even low-level English learners can transmit comprehensible messages despite their limited linguistic resources by using communication strategies, a sample of 30 Arab English majors at Yarmouk University in Jordan were asked to perform 3 communicative tasks: picture story telling, object-identification and role-play.   The performance of the subjects was audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed. The results indicate that transmission of comprehensible messages varies according to the learner's proficiency level and the task type. These findings lend further support to the hypothesis that even low level English proficiency learners can communicate and pass comprehensible messages to their interlocutors by resorting to communication strategies (CSs) despite their linguistic errors committed.
Review Article Second Language Communication, Strategies: Definitions, Taxonomies, Data Elicitation Methodology, Classification Problems, and Teachability Issues   Published in The Educational Journal in Kuwait - University of Kuwait,   Issue74, Vol. 19  (pp. 11-57)
Article Abstract: This extensive article examines trends in second language communication strategies (CSs) to date. It aims to present a historical overview of CS research, definitions of CSs offered and the various taxonomies proposed in the literature so far. Data elicitation methods and data analysis procedures are also discussed. Then it presents the author's taxonomy of communication strategy, which is based on the pilot study he conducted. Furthermore, it highlights the major problems of existing taxonomies and their classification of CSs into different categories. Teachability of communication strategies, which is a controversial issue, is also discussed. Finally, it concludes with the implications of communication strategies.
Published Books: 1. The translation of the novel 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. Published in Amman in 1986    2. Writing: A Course Book Writing: A course book is a task-oriented course that aims at involving students in several tasks to enhance their writing skills. This course is designed for university and college students who need to learn how to write effective paragraphs and essays.   Students will learn how to:             -         Use appropriate punctuation patterns -         Write different types of sentences -         Write concise sentences -         Use a parallel structure -         Fix sentence fragments -         Fix run-on sentences -         Use appropriate transitions -         Organise a paragraph -         Write a paragraph: Descriptive, narrative, cause and effect, process and compare and contrast. -         Organise an essay -         Write a five paragraph essay     Your comments are mostly welcomed. For your enquiries and orders, please contact the author: ghalebra@hotmail.com   L.D. no. 1424/6552 ISBN: 9960-44-204-7   Published in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2004