Enhancing Oral Skills in English Language for L2 Learners Using Pictorial Description Technique

English Language occupies a unique position in our country and the world at large. It is a unifying agent and a common channel of expression across the globe. The central construct of a language is its spoken form which plays a major role in communication. The existence of a language greatly depends on its usage in terms of listening and speaking and in actuality, it becomes clear that language is essential to give expression to thoughts and feelings of a social group. Man’s relationship to society greatly depends upon the use of language with his fellow beings and the harmony he nurtures is reflected in his communication. Speaking skill is the central construct of a language. It plays a vital part in the learning of a language. Oral proficiency is a major qualification in deciding communicative abilities. Hence, it proves imperative to understand the role of language in communication, and to equip oneself to learn language as a life skill rather than a subject of academic instruction.

The present research attempts at promoting oral skills in tertiary level, L2 learners using pictorial descriptions working on simple strategies practiced in instructional sessions. Pictures play the role of a visual context, emphasizing on meaning, vocabulary and appropriate expression showing lesser concentration on form. Pictures may be defined as visual representations of objects, scenes, persons or abstractions produced on a surface. Since pictures are fixed, the advantage of picturing the meaning at its clearest point is most appropriate, though they offer little possibility for variation. The present study explores the significance of descriptive technique in enhancing spoken language to language minority learners from Auxilium College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu.