Cognitive Comprehension of “Beyond & Behind”: An Experimental Study of Baghdad University

Abstract

The present study analyzes two locative English prepositions behind and beyond from the cognitive semantic point of view. These prepositions pose a problem experienced by Iraqi undergraduates. The complexity of these two prepositions encourages the researcher to use the cognitive linguistics (CL) approach and its insights as developed by Evans and Tyler 2003 to test its validity and help the Iraqi students. The data analysis is quantitatively-based. Seventy second-year university students participate in this experimental study. The pre-test and post-test data are analyzed through SPSS statistical editor and the results show a progress of more than (0.05≤). The results of the questionnaire show a noticeable positive change in the students’ attitude toward CL approach and display the main source of difficulty that is related to perplexity in the usage of these prepositions. The effectiveness of CL approach in getting accurate comprehension of the English prepositions behind and beyond is proved by the results of this experiment.

Iraqi EFL Students’ Difficulties in Writing Composition: An Experimental Study (University of Baghdad)

“…Better usage of English language needs more practice, deep understanding, and massive comprehension of the target language vocabulary (Aajami, 2018a). Getting the exact meaning of each word helps in bettering up the students' performance in writing (Aajami, 2018b).…”

A Cognitive Linguistic Study of the English Preposition 'in'

“…They explained the problem and offered logical solutions following the CL approach. Aajami (2018a) also identified the problem of the English preposition at, and worked skillfully on two other locative English prepositions, behind and beyond to tackle the polysemy of these prepositions (Aajami, 2018b). CL approach offers a complete analysis not only to English prepositions, but also to other languages'.…”