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'the', 'a' or zero article with certain nouns?

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Latest post Wed, Oct 28 2009 2:33 PM by Ivanhr. 1 replies.
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sebayanpendam  +  955216 Wed, 28 Oct 09 10:56 AM
Hi,

I have some questions regarding determiners. Should there be 'the' or zero article for these nouns? Can you please explain why 'the' is or is not required before these nouns as marked below?

1.Although there is such a thing as (a/0) one-way communication, (a/0) communication can be perceived better as a two-way process in which there is an exchange and progression of thoughts, feelings or ideas (energy) towards a mutually accepted goal or direction (information).
2. (the/0) English language teaching is a widely-used teacher-centred term, as in (the/0) English language teaching divisions of large publishing houses, ELT training, etc.
3.(the/0) Language learning is not like the learning of science as we can not learn it well by asking a
series of questions.
4. (the/0) English writing teaching for non-English majors is very weak, which is mainly
reflected by learners' substandard and inadequate writing output resulted from the currently unpleasant
examination-oriented writing teaching and learning.

Thanks
sebayanpendam
Joined on Wed, Apr 30 2008
Sarawak
Full Member 120
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Ivanhr  +  955361 Wed, 28 Oct 09 02:33 PM
Hi,

I'll give you my opinion.

 

1.  a (0), b(0)

 

2. a (0), b(the)

 

3. a(0)

 

4. a(0)

 

1. Communication, learning and teaching can all be seen as abstract nouns which take no article if used in a general sense. Sometimes when you're referring to a particular instance of an abstract noun phrase you can use 'a'. (Simplex communication is a one way communication ...).

 

2. Modifying phrases don't often influence the choice of articles. In your examples the words being modified are 'teaching and learning' so no article is needed.

 

3. The structure (the + noun phrase + of + (a, 0) noun phrase) is often used in this way

The English language teaching divisions of 0 large publishing houses, ELT training, etc......(= Large publishing houses'  english teaching divisions ; of course this would be very difficult to understand due to the multiple modifications)

or

The English language teaching division of a large publishing house..
Ivanhr
Joined on Fri, Oct 2 2009
Full Member 176
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