scholarly journals Linguistic and contextual factors that affect Japanese readers of EFL

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 23
Author(s):  
David Penner
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Global Approach ◽  
Ongoing Debate ◽  
Learning In Context ◽  
Orthographic Depth

By exploring the linguistic and contextual factors that cause problems for Japanese readers of EFL, this essay adds support to the sociocontextualists’ side of the ongoing debate regarding the scope of SLA research – that is, should SLA research be limited to the study of language use or should it include language-learning in context? In support of a more global approach, linguistic factors and contextual factors that cause Japanese readers difficulty are explored, including differences in orthography, morphology, orthographic depth, and phrasal structure, as well as ethnocentric influences, enculturated writing patterns, non-motivating classrooms, and enculturated learning strategies. Since Japanese readers are affected, not only by linguistic factors, but social factors as well, both linguistic and contextual factors should be considered when teaching and researching second language acquisition. 本論は外国語としての英語学習（EFL）環境にある日本人の読解に関する問題の原因となる言語学的・状況的要因を調査する。さらに、第2言語習得（SLA）研究は言語使用の研究に限定されるべきか、状況に応じた言語学習も含めて行うべきかという昨今の議論において、「社会的文脈」派の立場を支持する。本論ではより包括的なアプローチで、正字法、形態論、正字法深度、句構造等の違いに加え、自文化中心主義の影響、文化適応したライティングパターン、動機づけの低い教室、文化適応した学習ストラテジー等、日本人の読解に関する問題の原因となる言語学的・状況的要因を検討する。日本人の読解力は言語学的要因だけではなく社会的要因からも影響を受けているので、第2言語習得を指導研究する際には、言語学的・状況的要因を考慮すべきである。

You’ve got to crack a few eggs to make an omelette. Linguistic complexity and instruction in SLA

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick De Graaff
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Language Performance ◽  
Linguistic Complexity ◽  
Language Pedagogy ◽  
Instructed Second Language Acquisition ◽  
The One

In this epilogue, I take a teaching practice and teacher education perspective on complexity in Instructed Second Language Acquisition. I take the stance that it is essential to understand if and how linguistic complexity relates to learning challenges, what the implications are for language pedagogy, and how this challenges the role of the teacher. Research shows that differences in task complexity may lead to differences in linguistic complexity in language learners’ speech or writing. Different tasks (e.g. descriptive vs narrative) and different modes (oral vs written) may lead to different types and levels of complexity in language use. On the one hand, this is a challenge for language assessment, as complexity in language performance may be affected by task characteristics. On the other hand, it is an opportunity for language teaching: using a diversity of tasks, modes and text types may evoke and stretch lexically and syntactically complex language use. I maintain that it is essential for teachers to understand that it is at least as important to aim for development in complexity as it is to aim for development in accuracy. Namely, that ‘errors’ in language learning are part of the deal: complex tasks lead to complex language use, including lexical and syntactical errors, but they are a necessary prerequisite for language development.

Investigating education students’ language learning beliefs and motivation for learning English

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-121
Author(s):  
PraysGod Mhlongo ◽  
Colleen Du Plessis ◽  
Albert Weideman
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Intermediate Phase ◽  
Language Learning Strategies ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Learning Beliefs ◽  
Motivation For Learning ◽  
Language Learning Beliefs ◽  
Learning English

Institutions responsible for the training of educators have a duty to ensure that students develop adequate mastery of subject content and pedagogy. This paper investigates the language learning beliefs (LLBs) of pre-service Foundation and Intermediate Phase  educators and their alignment with language learning principles from applied linguistics research on second language acquisition (SLA). The study also examines the students’ motives for learning English since motivation plays a part in sustaining language learning. Gardner’s socio-educational model and Dörnyei’s L2 motivational self system are used as theoretical frameworks in addition to the work of scholars such as Horwitz, Griffiths, and Weideman and Lepota on language learning strategies and beliefs. The results of a  cross-sectional survey using the Beliefs About Language Learning and Motivation Inventory Modified (BALLMI-M) are analysed. The findings show that students are highly motivated to master English but do not wish to integrate with the English speech community. Furthermore, they lack understanding about the nature of language skills and have conflicting LLBs that should be addressed in futureamendments to the language curriculum. Keywords: language learning motivation, additional language teaching, literacy levels of Education students, language learning beliefs, language learning strategies 

Learners’ interactions: a comparison of oral and computer-assisted written conversations

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARISOL FERNÁNDEZ-GARCÍA ◽  
ASUNCÍON MARTÍNEZ ARBELAIZ
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Language Context

Previous research has underscored the role of negotiation in providing appropriate conditions for second language acquisition. Varonis and Gass (1985b), in a study of English as a Second Language (ESL), found greater amount of negotiation in non-native–non-native interaction than in native-non–native interaction. Given the increased interest in computer mediated communication and in its applications to language learning, this investigation explores whether those results are obtained when using an electronic written medium. This study compared the negotiations generated by dyads of non-native speakers (NNS–NNS), native speakers (NS–NS), and non-native and native speakers (NNS–NS), in the oral and written modes. The results revealed that the NNS–NS group negotiated in the oral mode significantly more than in the written mode; this group also negotiated significantly more than the other two groups in the oral mode. Learners' shared social and linguistic background seemed to have facilitated the comprehension of input. Conversely, lack of familiarity with native speaker's pronunciation seemed to have caused more breakdowns in the oral conversations of the mixed dyads. Though the results of this study suggest that negotiation is not the main resource to obtain modified input in a foreign language context, other learning strategies that may be beneficial in the language learning process were at use in learner-learner interaction.

Individual differences in second language acquisition

AILA Review ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 42-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Dörnyei
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Human Mind ◽  
Prominent Feature ◽  
Learner Characteristics ◽  
The Individual

Ever since the early days of its existence, the field of psychology has been trying to achieve two different and somewhat contradictory objectives: to understand the general principles of the human mind and to explore the uniqueness of the individual mind. The latter direction has formed an independent subdiscipline within the field, usually referred to as individual difference (ID) research. IDs are a prominent feature of SLA because a great deal of the variation in language learning outcomes is attributable, either directly or indirectly, to various learner characteristics. This paper first provides an overview of the five most important ID variables (personality, aptitude, motivation, learning styles and learning strategies) and then concludes by describing certain common themes in contemporary ID research.

scholarly journals Effects of Strategy-Based Instruction on Low Proficiency Omani ESL Learners’ Acquisition of Writing Skills

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
P. M. Binu
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Strategy Instruction ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Theoretical Understanding

The past few decades have seen a great amount of second language acquisition research on language learning strategies. Most of the research on strategy instruction had more practical goals than mere theoretical understanding. These practical goals are different ways of equipping learners with self-learning strategies. The latest developments in education and research, especially with the incorporation of neurosciences, psychology, and information technology have provided promising solutions to most of the problems faced by the low proficiency learners in second language acquisition. They also have given birth to numerous learning tools and methods of instruction. As a result, teachers can now rely on various sources of information and communication technology and use individualized instructional strategies to provide adequate support to these struggling learners especially for enhancing their writing skills. However, they need to be careful in providing support because an excessive amount of support may hinder the learners’ ability to work independently and develop critical thinking skills.

Pedagogical Rationale for Flipped Learning and Digital Technology in Second Language Acquisition

2017 ◽  
pp. 116-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edo Forsythe
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
Sociocultural Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching

This chapter will explore the background of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with a focus on how CALL methodologies and digital technology have enabled the implementation of flipped learning methods. The chapter briefly explores the beginning of CALL and its growth through current mobile technology uses. Successive sections explore learner autonomy and digital technology, language learner motivation, sociocultural learning theory, communicative language learning and teaching, language learning strategies, and finally, task-based language learning. Each of these pedagogical foundations of second language acquisition are explored with suggestions for practical application of the methodologies that are directly tied to or supportive of flipped learning and digital technology integration.

Pedagogical Rationale for Flipped Learning and Digital Technology in Second Language Acquisition

2016 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Edo Forsythe
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
Sociocultural Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching

This chapter will explore the background of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with a focus on how CALL methodologies and digital technology have enabled the implementation of flipped learning methods. The chapter briefly explores the beginning of CALL and its growth through current mobile technology uses. Successive sections explore learner autonomy and digital technology, language learner motivation, sociocultural learning theory, communicative language learning and teaching, language learning strategies, and finally, task-based language learning. Each of these pedagogical foundations of second language acquisition are explored with suggestions for practical application of the methodologies that are directly tied to or supportive of flipped learning and digital technology integration.

Omani Undergraduate Students' Writing Errors

2015 ◽  
pp. 288-306
Author(s):  
Muhammed Ali Chalikandy
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Linguistic Competence ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Writing Errors

This chapter analyses learners' writing errors. It focuses on error types and sources because these will reveal learners' current linguistic competence and what they need now for improvement. Data was collected mainly from the written work of English Department students at Al Buraimi University College. Results show that their errors are both interlingual and intralingual and that there is a positive relationship between these and learning strategies. Not only does the learners' previous language-learning experience influence the process of second language acquisition; target language learning experience does so as well.

Innovative language learning: achieving the vision

ReCALL ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAROL A. CHAPPELLE
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Speech Synthesis ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Voice Quality ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Learner Language

The technologies demonstrated at the InSTIL and EUROCALL 2000 conferences were very inspiring. They gave participants the sense that the technologies of their wildest imaginations are at last materializing, particularly in long awaited advances in speech technologies. Some challenges, however, remain ahead as attempts are made to put these technologies to use in CALL. Past experience demonstrates for example that software designed for recognition of a proficient speaker’s language is different than that required for learner language. It is also evident that while language use may be critical for language acquisition, language use does not necessarily indicate language acquisition. These points were made by Marty, who was working with speech software for French teaching a few years before the current excitement:...[W]e should keep in mind that the present research and development is aimed only at producing speech easily understandable by natives (e.g., English for native speakers of English) and that the potential markets are industrial (e.g., replacing visual indicators or visual alarms with audio warnings) and in home products (especially toys). Until our needs for improved FL instruction are better understood, it is not likely that those devices will have the voice quality we need. (Marty, 1981:52).If Marty had attended the InSTIL and EUROCALL conferences in 2000, no doubt he would have been very, very impressed. Even though plenty of work remains, we do seem to have very good voice quality in speech synthesis. The question today is how can we best use these emerging technologies, and so Marty’s suggestion that we must better understand our needs in foreign language teaching remains very relevant. What are the needs for foreign language teaching in the 21st century? The papers at EUROCALL 2000 as well as other work in technology, business, and language teaching suggest that we should be prepared for change in the coming years, but what kind of change? The turn of the century seems an appropriate time to examine some of the speculation on the future of language teaching in general, as well as how technology fits into that future. This paper considers these general questions, and then suggests ways in which links might be made between work in second language acquisition (SLA) and CALL in order to put technologies to use for L2 teaching.

scholarly journals The contribution of customized lessons with cultural content in the learning of EFL among undergraduates

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (21) ◽  
pp. 15-43
Author(s):  
Hans Humberto Oviedo Gómez ◽  
Henry Alberto Álvarez Guayara
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
English Language ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Cultural Content

This qualitative descriptive action research study explores the contribution of customized lessons with cultural content in the learning of English as a Foreign Language (EFL).. This study was conducted with a group of 17 undergraduates from the English Language Teaching (ELT) program at a state university in south-eastern Colombia. Data were collected via students’ artefacts (EFL lessons developed by the participants) with corresponding self-assessment, teachers’ field notes, and surveys on students’ perceptions. Findings suggest that designing customized lessons anchored in principles of second language acquisition results in more effective language learning. Additionally, using cultural content in the lessons makes communication more meaningful as undergraduates develop cultural knowledge and understanding. Finally, addressing learning styles and providing learning strategies in the lessons greatly contribute to EFL learning among undergraduates.

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