Guerrilla fan translation, language learning, and metalinguistic discussion in a Catalan-speaking community of gamers

ReCALL ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Boris Vazquez-Calvo
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Cultural Production ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
New Members ◽  
Fertile Ground ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Learning Language ◽  
Effective Integration

Abstract Driven by their affinity to popular culture, fans frequently engage in linguistic practices that may be conducive to language learning. This study seeks to find out how a group of Catalan-speaking gamers decided to start producing fan translations of video games from English into Catalan. Based on a digital ethnography (online interviews and observation of the group’s activity), two types of analysis were conducted: a content analysis for recurrent trends and a focused analysis of internal metalinguistic discussions on the quality of translations. Results indicate that fan translators (1) organize hierarchically with set roles and functions, (2) curate their group identity and care for the promotion of Catalan as a vehicle for cultural production, (3) learn language incidentally in three ways: while translating (ensuring the comprehension of English and the linguistic quality and creativity of the transfer into Catalan), through sharing language doubts with their peers on their Telegram group and dialogically agreeing on pragmatically acceptable English-Catalan translations, and through metalinguistic discussions on translation tests received from potential new members. The study resonates with a novel subfield in computer-assisted language learning: language learning in the digital wilds, which might be fertile ground for studies on incidental and informal language learning online. The study may also serve as inspiration for effective integration of translation into language classrooms in a manner that bridges vernacular fan translation and pedagogic translation, considering the importance of metalinguistic discussion for language learning and the sociocultural dimension of both translation and language learning.

scholarly journals Innowacyjność w edukacji językowej a profesjonalizm nauczyciela

Neofilolog ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 28-41
Author(s):  
Krystyna Droździał-Szelest
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Based Instruction ◽  
Task Based Instruction ◽  
Learning Language

Innovation in language education, just as in any other discipline, is connected with changes whose primary goal is to make the process of language learning/language teaching more efficient. Examples of such innovations include, for instance, task based instruction, computer assisted language learning or the use of portfolio as a means of assessment.Innovation implies a new, qualitatively different perception of the language learning/ language teaching process, roles of teachers and learners, use of materials etc., hence it is believed to constitute a challenge for language teachers and their professionalism. The present article is an attempt to answer the question whether and to what extent the language teaching profession is actually prepared to deal with innovation.

scholarly journals On the benefits of multimodal annotations for vocabulary uptake from reading

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Boers ◽  
Paul Warren ◽  
Georgina Grimshaw ◽  
Anna Siyanova
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Coding Theory ◽  
Word Meaning ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Dual Coding ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Dual Coding Theory ◽  
New Words

© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Several research articles published in the realm of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) have reported evidence of the benefits of multimodal annotations, i.e. the provision of pictorial as well as verbal clarifications, for vocabulary uptake from reading. Almost invariably, these publications account for the observed benefits with reference to Paivio's Dual Coding Theory, suggesting it is the visual illustration of word meaning that enhances the quality of processing and hence makes new words more memorable. In this discussion article, we explore the possibility that it is not necessarily the multimodality per se that accounts for the reported benefits. Instead, we argue that the provision of multimodal annotations is one of several possible means of inviting more and/or longer attention to the annotations–with amounts of attention given to words being a significant predictor of their retention in memory. After reviewing the available research on the subject and questioning whether invoking Paivio's Dual Coding Theory is an optimal account for reported findings, we report an eye-tracking study the results of which are consistent with the alternative thesis that the advantage of multimodal glosses for word learning lies with the greater quantity of attention these glosses attract in comparison with single-mode glosses. We conclude with a call for further research on combinations and sequences of annotation types, regardless of multimodality, as ways of promoting vocabulary uptake from reading.

The Meeting Point of Second Life® and Web 2.0

2014 ◽  
pp. 689-707
Author(s):  
Ya-Chun Shih
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Creative Writers ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Descriptive Writing

Researchers and practitioners endeavoring to incorporate Second Life® (SL) and Web 2.0 into language classrooms promise greater practical value from computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This chapter provides an innovative approach to blog writing, exploring SL as an immersive experience that stimulates follow-up description, imagination, and writing creativity. Drawing on experiences in 2009 and 2010 in linking SL and Web 2.0 applications to inspire the writing of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) graduate students, this chapter describes the characteristics of descriptive writing and presents the process of learning and writing of these students in cooperation with their peers in order to discover within themselves the motivation to be creative writers.

Embracing Computer Corpora in the Language Learning Classroom and Using It in Your Classroom

2018 ◽  
pp. 131-148
Author(s):  
Sally Durand
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Computer Language ◽  
Practicing Teachers ◽  
Classroom Strategies ◽  
Corpus Data ◽  
The Many ◽  
Learning Language

Among the many facets of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), studies using computer language corpora have risen to considerable prominence in research agendas. The author argues that corpora are useful tools for practicing teachers. However, the myth that “corpus-based research is too complicated to be useful for teachers” (Conrad, 2009) prevails in pedagogical contexts. This chapter strives to dispel that myth by synthesizing a wealth of research and their accompanying pedagogical applications. Secondly, it shares specific pedagogical activities to implement corpus data in classroom teaching. These corpus-informed classroom strategies provide concrete examples that will assist TESOL/TEFL teachers in making their coursework authentic and therefore more meaningful to students learning language.

The Meeting Point of Second Life and Web 2.0

2012 ◽  
pp. 132-150
Author(s):  
Ya-Chun Shih
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Web 2.0 ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Creative Writers ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Descriptive Writing

Researchers and practitioners endeavoring to incorporate Second Life® (SL) and Web 2.0 into language classrooms promise greater practical value from computer-assisted language learning (CALL). This chapter provides an innovative approach to blog writing, exploring SL as an immersive experience that stimulates follow-up description, imagination, and writing creativity. Drawing on experiences in 2009 and 2010 in linking SL and Web 2.0 applications to inspire the writing of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) graduate students, this chapter describes the characteristics of descriptive writing and presents the process of learning and writing of these students in cooperation with their peers in order to discover within themselves the motivation to be creative writers.

scholarly journals On the benefits of multimodal annotations for vocabulary uptake from reading

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Boers ◽  
Paul Warren ◽  
Georgina Grimshaw ◽  
Anna Siyanova
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Coding Theory ◽  
Word Meaning ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Dual Coding ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Dual Coding Theory ◽  
New Words

© 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Several research articles published in the realm of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) have reported evidence of the benefits of multimodal annotations, i.e. the provision of pictorial as well as verbal clarifications, for vocabulary uptake from reading. Almost invariably, these publications account for the observed benefits with reference to Paivio's Dual Coding Theory, suggesting it is the visual illustration of word meaning that enhances the quality of processing and hence makes new words more memorable. In this discussion article, we explore the possibility that it is not necessarily the multimodality per se that accounts for the reported benefits. Instead, we argue that the provision of multimodal annotations is one of several possible means of inviting more and/or longer attention to the annotations–with amounts of attention given to words being a significant predictor of their retention in memory. After reviewing the available research on the subject and questioning whether invoking Paivio's Dual Coding Theory is an optimal account for reported findings, we report an eye-tracking study the results of which are consistent with the alternative thesis that the advantage of multimodal glosses for word learning lies with the greater quantity of attention these glosses attract in comparison with single-mode glosses. We conclude with a call for further research on combinations and sequences of annotation types, regardless of multimodality, as ways of promoting vocabulary uptake from reading.

Need and Possible Criteria for Evaluating the Effectiveness of Computer-Mediated Communication

2011 ◽  
pp. 154-164
Author(s):  
Yi-Chieh Ho
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
End Users ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Computer Mediated

Computer-mediated communication (CMC) has been a ‘hot’ topic in computer-assisted language learning (CALL); however, its effectiveness remains uncertain. This chapter reviews the nature of CMC, pinpoints the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating it into language learning, considers factors that may affect the quality of CMC, and identifies possible directions for future studies. The author argues that sound criteria are lacking for the evaluation of the effectiveness of CMC and attempts to identify a set of possible criteria for classroom-based studies drawing from literature in language teaching and learning. The author also urges engineers to consider these criteria when designing new software, so that end users can conveniently measure its effectiveness and record their own progress.

scholarly journals Virtual Classrooms in Brazil: teachers' difficulties and anxieties towards technology in language learning

2003 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-132
Author(s):  
Andréa Machado de Almeida Mattos
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Teacher Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Classrooms ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
Global Understanding ◽  
Learning Data

Many researchers, nowadays, have been enthusiastic in promoting the advantages of introducing technology in the language classroom, but few have been worried with the problems and anxieties that result from changes in a long-lasting culture such as the culture of language learning. This paper aims at discussing the problems faced by teachers who have been working with technology in their language classrooms. The research design was based on theoretical and empirical studies both in the areas of Computer Assisted Language Learning and Teacher Development. The main objective of this paper is, thus, to achieve a global understanding of the teachers' anxieties in relation to the virtual environment of language learning. Data was gathered through interviews with the teachers, leading to a qualitative analysis of the findings.

scholarly journals Computer assisted language learning in English language classrooms in Bosnia and Herzegovina

ExELL ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-46
Author(s):  
Nihada Delibegović Džanić ◽  
Amila Hasanspahić
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
English Language ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Computer Assisted Language Learning ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Language Classrooms ◽  
English Language Classrooms

AbstractThe paper examines the application of computer assisted language learning (CALL) in English language classes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The research was designed as an empirical examination of the attitudes of teachers and students on the successful application of computer assisted language learning in English language classrooms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lack of motivation is one the problems that most teachers are faced with. There are many causes of poor motivation, but one of them is certainly the unattractiveness and dullness of traditional methods, teaching materials and resources. However, many authors with educational experience point out that the use of information technology can positively influence students’ motivation and encourage them to work actively. While adults, as digital immigrants, might not use modern information technology excessively, children and teens are true digital natives, who have grown up with the latest technologies and use them with great pleasure in all aspects of their lives adapting them to their needs (Prensky, 2001). The results obtained in this research are an indicator of the current attitude of teachers and students towards these issues, but they also highlight some important necessary reforms in the field of teacher education.

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