Complexity of Interaction in a Second Language Conversation Group: An Exploratory Study
- 1 Department of Languages, Literatures & Linguistics, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA
Abstract
The aim of this research was to explore the nature of conversation in a weekly second language Italian conversation group. Analysis of conversations focused on the range of topics and verbal structures used by learners. Additional analysis was completed to determine if learners engaged in negotiation of meaning or form during conversations. Results revealed that learners used a range of topics and verbal structures from Beginner level to Advanced level indicating that learners challenged themselves to produce high quality, natural conversation. Learners also showed some use of negotiation during conversations to repair communication breakdowns, principally to address meaning; however, the amount of negotiation was low when compared to task-based interaction designed to elicit negotiation.
- Adams, R. (2007). Ch. 1: Do Second Language Learners Benefit from Interacting with Each Other? In A. Mackey (Ed.), Conversational Interaction in Second Language Acquisition (pp. 29-51). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Bruton, A., & Samuda, V. (1980). Learner and Teacher Roles in the Treatment of Oral Error in Group Work. RELC Journal, 2, 49-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/003368828001100204
- Del Pilar García Mayo, M., & Pica, T. (2000). L2 Learner Interaction in a Foreign Language Setting: Are Learning Needs Addressed? International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 38, 1-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/iral.2000.38.1.35
- Fernández Dobao, A. (2012). Collaborative Dialogue in Learner-Learner and Learner-Native Speaker Interaction. Applied linguistics, 33, 229-256. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/applin/ams002
- Gass, S. M. (1997). Input, Interaction, and the Second Language Learner. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
- Glaser, B., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Chicago: Aldine.
- Hubert, M. D. (2011). Foreign Language Production and Avoidance in US University Spanish-Language Education. International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 21, 222-243. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-4192.2010.00276.x
- Levi, P. (1986). I Sommersi e i Salvati. Italy: Einaudi.
- Long, M. H. (1983). Linguistic and Conversational Adjustments to Non-Native Speakers. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 5, 177-193. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0272263100004848
- Long, M. H., & Porter, P. A. (1985). Group Work, Interlanguage Talk, and Second Language Acquisition. TESOL Quarterly, 19, 207-228. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3586827
- Mackey, A. (1999). Input, Interaction, and Second Language Development. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 21, 557-587. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0272263199004027
- Mackey, A. (2007). The Role of Conversational Interaction in Second Language Acquisition. In A. Mackey (Ed.), Conversational Interaction in Second Language Acquisition (pp. 1-26). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Mackey, A., Oliver, R., & Leeman, J. (2003). Interactional Input and the Incorporation of Feedback: An Exploration of NS-NNS and NNS-NNS Adult and Child Dyads. Language Learning, 53, 35-66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-9922.00210