Quality of Ideas or Language First? Novice EFL Writers’ Standpoint

Miftah Al Farhan

doi:10.55756/eim.v2i2.124

Miftah Al Farhan Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2408-6227

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55756/eim.v2i2.124

Keywords: Ideas, Language, Academic Writing, Novice EFL Writers

Abstract

This study aims to explore the novice EFL writers’ perspectives on the importance of ideas and language in writing scientific papers and which ones they think should take precedence for the efficiency of the writing process. It was a case study in which three students and an academic writing lecturer were involved as research participants. By using interview guidelines, it was identified that students realized the importance of integrating good ideas and using the correct language in developing scientific writing. Between these two important aspects, novice EFL writers tend to prioritize ideas to direct their writing process rather than the quality of language, so this results in difficulty understanding the ideas they write due to the inappropriate language use. Thus, novice EFL writers need to be equipped with writing practices so that their ideas are able to carry important meaning used as a scientific study material.

Author Biography

Miftah Al Farhan, Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin

English Language Education Study Program

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