Strategies of question formation : an analysis of Malay ESL discourse

Abstract

This study is on the analysis of strategies of question formation, with particular reference to the Malay ESL discourse. For the purpose of the study, the researcher analyzed the Malay ESL discourse in the natural setting observed in an academic environment where ESL discourse is most likely to occur. This includes classrooms, university cafeterias, administration offices, elevators and dormitories. Observation was made two hours daily for a period of seven months. Data was collected and recorded in a very discreet manner so as to ensure the accuracy of information taken in a natural setting. The study seeks to answer two research questions. The first is "What are the most common types of questions found in the spoken discourse of Malay ESL speakers in formal and informal environment?" The findings show that the most common pattern that usually occurred in the discourse is that there were more declarative statements than interrogative forms used by the participants in producing questions, especially in informal discourse. Moreover, the participant's use of tag questions differred from standard English. The analysis shows that most of the time speakers used "is it" in place of other tags regardless of the verb from in the preceding clause. The second research question is "Do these ways of asking questions differ according to gender?" It seems that in terms of declarative and interrogative patterns, there was no difference between female and male participants in the question formation. However, findings revealed that there is a difference in the use of tag questions between male and female subjects. Female participants used "is it" more than male participants in all settings observed. Findings also show that there are other strategies adopted by Malay ESL speakers in their discourse. It is illustrated in Malay ESL discourse, questions have certain roles with regards to language choice and context-related usage.