Interactions in L2: Some Features of Japanese Learner Talk

2019 ◽  
Vol 2018 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
John Campbell-Larsen

The central use of language in all human societies is spoken interaction, and interactional competence is a tacit goal of language learning. Interaction is not just the utterance of correctly constructed sentences. Rather, learners must be aware of ways in which the target language is used pragmatically by native and proficient speakers to allocate turns, achieve intersubjectivity, co-construct understanding, sustain progressivity, and signal their attitudes and understanding of both their own talk and that of their interlocutor. This paper outlines some common interactional practices of Japanese learners of English, derived from extensive video data of student peer talk, collected over several years in Japanese universities. I highlight such areas as turn-taking, use of discourse markers, backchanneling, and L1 usage. I suggest that awareness of these issues can help both students and their teachers orient to an interactional view of language with concomitant consequences for teaching and learning. 全ての人間社会において言語の主な使用方法は会話であり、その会話に必要な相互行為能力の習得は言語学習においても必要不可欠なものである。相互行為は正確な構文の産出のみで完遂できるものではなく、学習者は発話ターン構造や間主観性・相互認識の構築、会話の継続・維持、参与者の心的状態の表出など、L2母語話者や熟練話者による語用方略を正確に認識し適切に遂行しなければならない。本稿では、多様な会話データから、日本人英語学習者の典型的なL2相互行為の特性を概説する。日本の大学で数年をかけ長期的に収集された日本人英語学習者のピア会話のビデオデータを用いて、学習者による会話中のターン構築、談話標識の運用、相槌やL1使用の方略に焦点を当てた分析を行う。本研究は、英語教師だけではなく、ひいてはその学習者にも言語を相互行為として捉える観点を与え、英語学習活動に相互行為能力の習得を導入する契機になることを目指す。

Author(s):  
Michael Hofmeyr

This paper describes the initial findings of an exploratory research project investigating the use of the cooperative digital puzzle game Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes as a means to facilitate Second Language Acquisition (SLA). A qualitative case study approach was taken to closely examine the linguistic interaction between three L2 learners of English at a Japanese university who played the game over four one-hour sessions. The findings include clear examples of learners negotiating for meaning and making use of a range of discourse strategies theorised to contribute to effective language learning within an interactionist SLA framework. By demonstrating that the learner-to-learner interaction evoked by this game can set in motion multiple processes linked to L2 development, the results suggest that the game, as well as others that make use of a similar information-gap mechanic, could be effectively put to use for language learning and teaching purposes in a variety of formal and informal educational contexts.


Author(s):  
Yuri Hosoda ◽  
David Aline

Abstract This conversation analytic study explicates the differential actions of the English phrase I don’t know (IDK) and its equivalent in Japanese, wakannai, as deployed by Japanese learners of English during peer discussions for language learning. By examining natural classroom interaction, we explore second language (L2) speakers’ use of these tokens for various pragmatic actions. The data consist of 47 h of discussions in English language classes in three Japanese universities. The discussions were carried out in the target language, English, for the most part, but occasionally the participants used their common first language (L1), Japanese. All cases of IDK and wakannai examined here occurred in first positions during production of opinions or first assessments. The analysis revealed that within a single discussion session, the participants marshalled IDK and wakannai to perform differential actions. Overwhelmingly, in our data, IDK was deployed to manage their epistemic stance, while wakannai was produced to make a public assertion of their insufficient knowledge.


2006 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 99-113
Author(s):  
Akihiro Ito

This study examines the generalization of instruction in foreign language learning. A group of Japanese learners of English served as participants and received special instruction in the structure of genitive relative clauses. The participants were given a pre-test on combining two sentences into one containing a genitive relative clause wherein the relativized noun phrase following the genitive marker "whose" is either the subject, direct object, or object of preposition. Based on the TOEFL and the pre-test results, four equal groups were formed; three of these served as experimental groups, and one as the control group. Each experimental group was given instruction on the formation of only one type of genitive relative clause. The participants were then given two post-tests. The results indicated that the generalization of learning begins from structures that are typologically more marked genitive relative clauses to those structures that are typologically less marked, and not vice versa.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arne Krause ◽  
Jonas Wagner ◽  
Angelika Redder ◽  
Susanne Prediger

Abstract New adolescent migrants from Arabic-speaking countries face complex challenges when participating in regular mathematics classes in Germany: They have been educated in their family language(s) and are obliged to adapt to a new (second or target) language and to different styles of teaching. In contrast, 3rd generation multilingual students, who usually are schooled in German only, have rarely ever used their family languages in mathematics. This poses different challenges for the introduction of multilingual teaching and learning. By comparing German-Turkish 3rd generation students and adolescent refugees from Arabic speaking countries, both in 7th grade, this paper argues for the epistemic importance of considering “multilingual profiles” (i.e. including individual languages and history of migration) for linguistic analyses as well as for didactical designs of learning opportunities. For this purpose, a functional pragmatic discourse analysis of transcribed video-data from bilingual mathematics sessions with up to four multilingual students was conducted. This allows to characterize discursive multilingual profiles and to distinguish different perspectives on and verbalizations of mathematical concepts (in this case: fractions) in classroom discourse. Furthermore, language-specific interfaces of mental and linguistic processes are unfolded which enable new insights into conceptual understanding. The analysis focusses on the languages German, Turkish and Arabic and on 7th grade mathematics classes. The paper shows that the activation of multilingual resources in mathematics classrooms sets a promising approach for a sustainable integration of migrants, since they are enabled to use their subject-related knowledge which, in the long run, holds the potential support for the acquisition of the target language on a pre-academic level.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 425-446
Author(s):  
David Aline ◽  
Yuri Hosoda

Abstract Formulaic speech has long been of interest in studies of second language learning and pragmatic use as production and comprehension of formulaic utterances requires less processing and production effort and, therefore, allows for greater fluency. This study scrutinizes the sequential positions and actions of one formulaic utterance “how about∼” from the participants’ perspective. This conversation analytic study offers a fine-grained microanalysis of student interaction during classroom peer discussion activities. The data consist of over 54 h of video-recorded classroom interaction. Analysis revealed several positions and actions of “how about∼” as it occurs during peer discussions by Japanese learners of English. Emerging from analysis was a focus on how learners deploy this formulaic utterance to achieve various actions within sequences of interaction. Analysis revealed that participants used “how about∼” for (a) explicitly selecting next speaker, (b) shifting topics, (c) proposing a solution, and (d) suggesting alternative procedures. Although the formula was deployed to perform these four different actions, consistent throughout all instances was the disclosure of learner orientation to the progressivity of the task interaction. The findings show how language learners deploy this formulaic utterance in discussion tasks designed for language learning and highlights the pragmatic functions of this phrase.


Author(s):  
Ismail Hasanein Ahmed Mohammad

ملخص البحث: يعتبر الاتصال الشفوي (الكلام) الوسيلة الفاعلة في بلورة الفكرة الكامنة لدى الفرد، وإخراجها بصورة صوتية تمثل تلك الفكرة تمثيلاً واضحاً، وإيصالها إلى الطرف الآخر –المستمع-دون لبس أو غموض، ويرى الباحث أن الطلبة غير العرب عند التّحدث باللغة العربية يتعثرون على الرغم من تخصصهم في تعلُّمِها بوصفها لغة ثانية. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى معرفة أسباب إحجام الطلبة عن التحدث باللغة العربية، ومن ثَمَّ إبراز بعض الاستراتيجيات التي استخدمها الباحث في تعليم مهارة الاتصال الشفوي لطلبة بكالوريوس التربية، تخصص تعليم لغة عربية بوصفها لغة ثانية على مدى الخمس السنوات الماضية بالجامعة الإسلامية العالمية بماليزيا. توصلت الدراسة إلى أن تعليم وتعلم اللغة العربية خارج موطنها يعتريه كثير من العقبات تتمثل في البيئة المحيطة بالدارس، والمناهج والمقررات، والوسائل المعينة اللازمة، وينبغي أن يخصص وقت لممارسة الكلام باللغة العربية داخل الصفوف الدراسية، وإتاحة الفرصة لكل طالب أو طالبة في التعبير الشفوي، مع التشجيع الكامل من المعلم، ويتم تصحيح الخطأ بطريقة محفزة، وترصد لهم مكافآت ولو رمزية، تعزيزاً لدفعهم للكلام، وكسر حاجز الخوف والخجل، وإكسابهم الجسارة والجرأة والثقة. على أن يكون الوقت المخصص للكلام إلزاميا لجميع الطلبة دارسي اللغة العربية، ولكل المقررات المتعلقة باللغة. الكلمات المفتاحية: إحجام الطلبة - التخصص – اللغة الثانية- الاتصال الشفوي - الاستراتيجيات. Abstract: The oral communication (speech) is the effective method in developing the idea of the individual and to present it in clear representation and delivery to the other party — the listener-unambiguously. Since the oral communication is one of major concern of the target language, the teaching and learning requires using a variety of strategies to achieve the goal of language learning. The focus of this paper is the oral communication difficulties faced by non-Arab speaking students despite their specialization in learning Arabic as a second language. Therefore this paper aims to find out reasons why students con not communicate well in Arabic Language, and highlight some of the strategies used by the researcher in the teaching of oral communication skills for the Bachelor of education students, specializing in teaching Arabic as a second Language over the past five years in the International Islamic University-Malaysia, where the strategies used  had great impact in breaking the barrier of shyness of speaking in Arabic, and improved their performance in oral expression in multiple areas. From these strategies; the use of multimedia presentation, questions and answers, the excitement by viewing the strange or fantastic scenes that evoke the students to express them orally, and movements, representation, simulation and other strategies that draw the attention of students and encourages them to speak. As well as the cooperation and interaction between teacher and students and among the students themselves. The descriptive methodology will be applied in this paper to explore the teaching strategies implemented by the researcher in teaching oral communication skill, which shown great impact on students achievements.    Key Words: Motivating student – Major – Second language – Oral communication – strategies.   Abstrak: Pertuturan lisan ialah satu cara berkesan dalam mengembang idea seseorang itu untuk menjelaskan maksud kepada pihak kedua tanpa kesamaran. Memandangkan pertuturan lisan adalah satu aspek fokus bahasa yang dipelajari, pembeljaran dan pengajarannya memerlukan beberapa strategi untuk mencapai tujuan pembelajaran bahasa. Tumpuan kertas ini ialah terhadap permasalahan komunikasi yang dialami oleh pelajar bukan Arab walaupun mereka adalah pelajar pengkhususan Bahasa Arab sebagai bahasa kedua. Perbincangan tertumpuuntuk mencari sebab kelemahan pertuturan komunikasi lisan para pelajar dalam bahasa Arab dan beberapa strategi yang digunakan oleh penulis dalam mengajar kemahiran pertuturan lisan bahasa Arab untuk pelajar Sarjana Muda Bahasa Arab Pendidikan daripada lebih lima tahun pengalaman beliau di Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia. Startegi tersebut dilihat dapat memberi kesan dalam memecah kebuntuan sikap malu para pelajar bertutur dalam bahasa Arab dan meningkatkan penguasaan mereka dalam pelbagai bidang. Di antara strategi ini ialah: penggunaan multi-media, soal jawab, rasa kagum apabila diperlihatkan gambar yang pelik dan menarik menjadikanpelajar ingin menyatakan pendapat mereka secara lisan. Strategi lain juga termasuk: pergerakan, penampilan, simulasi dan pelbagai strategi yang menggalakkan pelajar bertutur serta sikap saling membantu dan interaksi di antara pensyarah dan pelajar. Kertas ini menggunakan metod deskriptif.   Kata kunci: Menggalakkan pelajar – pengkhususan – bahasa kedua – petuturan lisan – strategi.


ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
TUIJA LEHTONEN ◽  
SIRPA TUOMAINEN

This article discusses the applications of the theory of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) to teaching and learning a foreign language, in this case, one of the ‘Less Commonly Taught Languages’, Finnish. The ‘Virtually Finnish’ project was based on the idea of creating a larger, virtual Finnish learning community among the second-year Finnish language students in five US universities during the fall semester, 2001. CSCL was chosen as a base, as its principal goal is to aid the learners in sharing and distributing their knowledge to the whole learning community. In addition to discussing the set up and the content of the project, the students’ feedback about their language learning experience in the CSCL-environment will be examined. Furthermore, the conclusions, and the realization of our goals from the perspective of CSCL, as well as the students’ feedback on the collaborative process will be discussed. Based on the knowledge gained from limited feedback, a discussion of tools to aid language students in becoming a part of motivating and authentic collaboration projects on-line will be discussed. Looking at the students’ work on-line, as well as the feedback received, it was realized that certain skills crucial for communication have been neglected in teaching. Furthermore, it was realized that teaching on-line learning strategies in addition to teaching the target language is crucial. Future plans, and ideas for research in the area of CSCL will be shared in anticipation of inspiring others to undertake further research.


1999 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 502-503
Author(s):  
Carol A. Chapelle

The papers in Language learning through social computing introduce the classroom practices and philosophical underpinnings of computer-assisted language learning (CALL), which builds on collaborative approaches to L2 teaching and learning. The majority of the essays address general issues in collaborative learning through CALL, describing the authors' experience and reflections on L2 activities designed to engage learners in interesting discussions and projects, many of which rely on target language materials from the Internet.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davey Young

Turn-taking remains an underemphasized aspect of foreign language instruction. As more is understood about this central component of interactional competence, foreign language teachers will need to consider the best ways to teach students how to take turns speaking and managing the floor in the target language. This paper provides a brief outline of turn-taking mechanics as originally defined by Sacks, Schegloff, & Jefferson (1974) before providing contrastive models for turn-taking in English and Japanese. Some recommendations for classroom instruction targeting turn-taking for EFL students in Japan, as well as a call for greater sensitivity to this fundamental aspect of communicative competence, are also provided. 外国語教育において、「話者交替」の重要性はまだ十分に注目されていない。相互行為能力の中心的構成要素である話者交替についての理解が深まるにつれ、外国語教育者は目標言語でどのように交替しながら話し、場の進行をすればいいかを教授するための最善の方法を考える必要が出てくるだろう。本論では、Sacks, Schegloff, & Jefferson (1974) によって定義された話者交替の働きについての概要を説明した後に、英語と日本語での話者交替の対照モデルについて述べる。日本の英語学習者に話者交替を教える際にクラス内で推奨されるいくつかの教授法と、話者交替というコミュニケーション能力の重要な一面に対するより細やかな配慮への必要性についても述べる。


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rubrecht

Second or foreign language learners study or are taught various language skill areas, one of which is speaking. In order to speak in the target language, learners must gain some proficiency in the target language’s vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation so that their verbal utterances are meaningful to listeners. However, although pronunciation may be said to be the most fundamental of these three components, it is by far the one that receives the least amount of attention in second or foreign language learning situations. Insufficient attention placed on the pronunciation component can lead to detrimental effects on learners, potentially negatively impacting them in their attempts at bridging the interculturality gap between their first language and the language being learned. The present article will make a call for increased inclusion of pronunciation instruction and training in second and foreign language teaching and learning by relating pronunciation’s importance in verbal communicative acts and by addressing the issue of pronunciation localization. In addition, the article will present a discussion explaining why those involved in such language teaching and learning tend to overlook the pronunciation component in second and foreign language teaching and learning situations.


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