Cognitive, linguistic, and contextual factors in Norwegian second language learner's narrative production

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1117-1145 ◽  
Author(s):  
JANNICKE KARLSEN ◽  
ESTHER GEVA ◽  
SOLVEIG-ALMA LYSTER
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Kindergarten Children ◽  
Book Reading ◽  
Cognitive Linguistic ◽  
Narrative Production ◽  
Books In The Home

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the contribution of cognitive, linguistic, and contextual factors to the narrative production of Norwegian second language learners. We assessed cognitive ability and first and second language proficiency in 66 kindergarten children with Urdu/Punjabi as their first language. Number of children's books in the home and time spent in kindergarten were treated as contextual factors. Oral narration was assessed in Grade 1. A series of fixed-order hierarchical regression analyses displayed a complex relationship among cognitive, linguistic, and contextual factors and various facets of narrative production of young second language learners; nonverbal ability and books in the home predicted the mastering of story (macro)structure, while linguistic (vocabulary and grammar) and both contextual variables predicted microaspects of narrative proficiency. The results suggest that combining home book reading practices, kindergarten attendance, and second language interventions might improve language minority children's narrative production and chances of school success.

Metonymic inferencing and second language acquisition

AILA Review ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 134-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Barcelona
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Comprehension ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Linguistic Research ◽  
Cognitive Linguistic ◽  
Lexical Polysemy

The article is a reflection on the various areas of cognitive linguistic research on metonymy that are of potential relevance for SLA. Three of them are particularly relevant: (1) research on metonymy-guided inferencing; (2) research on metonymy-based lexical polysemy, and (3) research on metonymy-based grammatical constructions. Of the three main areas with which the paper is mainly concerned, area (1) is particularly relevant for research on second language comprehension, especially in utterance and discourse types heavily relying on the inferential work of the comprehender; area (2) has already proved to be very useful for research on the inferencing strategies followed by second language learners in their comprehension of new lexical senses in context; and area (3) should be helpful for research on the acquisition of grammatical constructions by these learners.

scholarly journals A Cognitive Linguistic Study of the English Preposition 'in'

2019 ◽  
pp. 37
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Second Language ◽  
University Students ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Positive Change ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Cognitive Linguistic ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Second Year

The present study aims at analyzing the polysemy of the English preposition in from the cognitive linguistic (CL) point of view using Evans' and Tyler's approach (2003). The perplexity faced by Iraqi second language learners (L2) due to the multi-usages of this preposition has motivated the researcher to conduct this study. Seventy-six second year university students participated in this experimental study. The data of the pre-test and post-test were analyzed by SPSS statistical editor. The results have shown the following: First, a progress of more than (0.05≤) has been detected as far as students' understanding of the multiple usages of the preposition in is concerned. Second, the results of the questionnaire have shown a prominent positive change in the students' attitude toward CL approach. Third, the main source of difficulty has been shown to be attributed to the diversity in the semantics of the preposition in. Fourth, CL as an approach has proven its effectiveness in accurately comprehending the semantics of the English preposition in.

Mustafa op de Mavo

1985 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 65-72
Author(s):  
René Appel
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Secondary Education ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Linguistic Minority ◽  
Communicative Skills ◽  
Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency ◽  
Dutch Language

In this article the results of an explorative study of the Dutch language proficiency of advanced second-language learners are presented. The proficiency in Dutch of a group of 17 students from non-indigeneous linguistic minority groups was compared with the Dutch proficiency of 17 native age-mates. In each group, 16 of the 17 students went to a 'MAV0', an intermediate level of secondary education. Their Dutch language skills were measured by analyzing spontaneous language samples and by administering some tests. In general, the second-language learners (the A-group) were shown to have a lower Dutch language proficiency than the native students (the N-group), and especially with respect to their scores on the tests. It was tentatively concluded that the students from the Α-group had a Dutch language deficiency in the area of Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency. Their Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (the concepts CALP and BICS are borrowed from Cummins' theoretical framework) were more or less similar to the skills of native Dutch students. Students from linguistic minority groups might succeed in higher levels of secondary education if their CALP were brought to a higher level, since CALP correlates strongly with the kind of language proficiency demanded in school.

Creating an Online Assessment Test for Heritage Learners of Russian

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Titus
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Heritage Learners ◽  
Linguistic Performance ◽  
Testing Tools ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Grammar Tests ◽  
Traditional Grammar

This paper examines the differences between second-language learners and heritage learners of Russian in terms of their linguistic performance, a finding supported by current research (Andrews, 2001; Kagan & Dillon, 2001/2003), examines the implications of these differences for the creation of testing tools, and offers a sample of a test designed for the author’s Russian for Heritage Learners course. Also discussed are the drawbacks of applying traditional grammar tests created for second-language classes to heritage-language-classroom settings and the inability of these types of tests to reflect the unique language strengths of heritage learners. The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language proficiency guidelines are suggested as a starting point in creating an assessment test for heritage learners.

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