Emergent vocabulary in second language socialization among learners

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-299
Author(s):  
Roseley Santos Esguerra ◽  
Phalangchok Wanphet
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Socialization ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Communication Problems ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Pair Work

In general, second language (L2) learners have limited vocabulary knowledge. In addition, they often have difficulty identifying, recognizing, or recalling the vocabulary necessary for a certain situation. This limitation and those three factors result in problematic talk where repair, improvement, and practice are merited. The purpose of the present study, following a conversation analytic (CA) perspective, explores how vocabulary-related communication problems are resolved when a low proficient learner (LPL) and a high proficient learner (HPL) communicate during their pair-work activities. In particular, this research studies the sequence of turns and repair in the talk. The study revealed that (1) the repair is mostly initiated by the LPL, (2) the HPL can be a crucial language source in the classroom, and (3) problems are caused by insufficient vocabulary knowledge and not comprehending a correctly-pronounced word. This study reveals the importance of students’ pair-work (especially pair-work activities when the students have disparate English proficiency) in the language classroom and suggests communication strategies.

The benefits of abstract word training on productive vocabulary knowledge among second language learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 1331-1362
Author(s):  
Chaleece W. Sandberg ◽  
Erin Carpenter ◽  
Katherine Kerschen ◽  
Daniela Paolieri ◽  
Carrie N. Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Abstract Word ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Lexical Retrieval ◽  
Generation Task ◽  
Training Paradigm ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Abstract Words ◽  
Concrete Words

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of an abstract word training paradigm initially developed to treat lexical retrieval deficits in patients with aphasia on second language (L2) vocabulary acquisition. Three English–Spanish L2 learners (Experiment 1) and 10 Spanish–English L2 learners (Experiment 3) were trained on 15 abstract words within a context-category (e.g., restaurant) using a five-step training paradigm based on semantic feature analysis. In addition, 7 English–Spanish L2 learners were trained on either abstract or concrete words within a context-category (Experiment 2). Across all experiments, the majority of participants trained on abstract words showed improved production of the trained abstract words, as measured by a word generation task, as well as improvement on untrained concrete words within the same context-category (i.e., generalization). Participants trained on concrete words (Experiment 2) exhibited much smaller word production gains and no generalization to abstract words. These results parallel previous findings from aphasia research and suggest that this training paradigm can successfully be extended to L2 learning contexts, where it has the potential to be a useful tool in vocabulary instruction. We discuss the findings in terms of models of spreading activation and the underlying conceptual representations of abstract and concrete words in the L2 lexicon.

Effects of Task Complexity Variables on Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency of Second Language Production: A Critical Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Lilliati Ismail ◽  
Arshad Abd. Samad
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Language Production ◽  
Task Complexity ◽  
Task Design ◽  
Complex Tasks ◽  
Complexity Level ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
L2 Learners

This paper reviews recent research that has manipulated task complexity variables to gauge their effects on L2 learning. This review draws upon Robinson’s Triadic Componential Framework for task design (2001a) which suggests that increases in task complexity levels should be an important consideration when designing and sequencing a task-based language syllabus. Most of the studies discussed support Robinson’s contention that more complex tasks result in greater accuracy and complexity in L2 learners’ language production. This would imply the need to consider task complexity variables in selecting, designing and administering tasks in the second language classroom to achieve optimum effects on the learning process. Teachers would also have to be conscientious in evaluating cognitive loads of tasks to ensure heightened attention to meaning and forms. Also, the potential of using task complexity level as an organising principle for a second-language syllabus needs to be further explored and investigated.

scholarly journals What vocabulary size tells us about pronunciation skills: Issues in assessing L2 learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-160
Author(s):  
Paolo Mairano ◽  
Fabian Santiago
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Listening Skills ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Speaking Skills

AbstractMeasures of second language (L2) learners’ vocabulary size have been shown to correlate with language proficiency in reading, writing and listening skills, and vocabulary tests are sometimes used for placement purposes. However, the relation between learners’ vocabulary knowledge and their speaking skills has been less thoroughly investigated, and even less so in terms of pronunciation. In this article, we compare vocabulary and pronunciation measures for 25 Italian instructed learners of L2 French. We measure their receptive (Dialang score) and productive (vocd-D, MTLD) vocabulary size, and calculate the following pronunciation indices: acoustic distance and overlap of realizations for selected L2 French vowel pairs, ratings of nasality for ratings of foreign-accentedness, fluency metrics. We find that vocabulary measures show low to medium correlations with fluency metrics and ratings of foreign-accentedness, but not with vowel metrics. We then turn our attention to the impact of research methods on the study of vocabulary and pronunciation. More specifically, we discuss the possibility that these results are due to pitfalls in vocabulary and pronunciation indices, such as the failure of Dialang to take into account the effect of L1-L2 cognates, and the lack of measures for evaluating consonants, intonation and perception skills.

Developing and Analyzing Form and Function of L2 Integrated Performance Assessments for Diverse Learners

2019 ◽  
pp. 252-287
Author(s):  
William Douglas Schnaithman
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Performance Assessments ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Learning Differences ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
And Function ◽  
Integrated Performance

From the first day of instruction, it's important to understand the skill objectives in a second language classroom, and for instruction to be aligned with the assessment. In addition, the pace of instruction should be based on qualitative and quantitative data derived from the use of ongoing formative assessments. These assessments are crucial to determine what skills students have mastered, and which ones may require further instruction and practice, with the goal for students to be able to effectively communicate in the target language in real-world scenarios. In this chapter, the author identifies and emphasizes the importance of using integrated performance assessments to drive the pace of instruction. There are three different tools presented which have been used effectively to measure students' speaking skills, vocabulary knowledge, and ability to apply grammatical concepts in a second language (L2) classroom for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. And finally, there is an opportunity to put the practical concepts learned in the chapter into practice.

scholarly journals How much vocabulary is needed to use English? Replication of van Zeeland & Schmitt (2012), Nation (2006) and Cobb (2007)

2015 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 212-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Schmitt ◽  
Tom Cobb ◽  
Marlise Horst ◽  
Diane Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Word Knowledge ◽  
Word Families ◽  
Written Texts ◽  
L2 Learners ◽  
Knowledge Requirements ◽  
Esl Learners

There is current research consensus that second language (L2) learners are able to adequately comprehend general English written texts if they know 98% of the words that occur in the materials. This important finding prompts an important question: How much English vocabulary do English as a second language (ESL) learners need to know to achieve this crucial level of known-word coverage? A landmark paper by Nation (2006) provides a rather daunting answer. His exploration of the 98% figure through a variety of spoken and written corpora showed that knowledge of around 8,000–9,000 word families is needed for reading and 6,000–7,000 for listening. But is this the definitive picture? A recent study by van Zeeland & Schmitt (2012) suggests that 95% coverage may be sufficient for listening comprehension, and that this can be reached with 2,000–3,000 word families, which is much more manageable. Getting these figures right for a variety of text modalities, genres and conditions of reading and listening is essential. Teachers and learners need to be able to set goals, and as Cobb's study of learning opportunities (2007) has shown, coverage percentages and their associated vocabulary knowledge requirements have important implications for the acquisition of new word knowledge through exposure to comprehensible L2 input. This article proposes approximate replications of Nation (2006), van Zeeland & Schmitt (2012), and Cobb (2007), in order to clarify these key coverage and size figures.

Strategic Competence in an ELT Syllabus

2004 ◽  
Vol 145-146 ◽  
pp. 145-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghaleb Ahmed Rabab'ah
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Strategy Training ◽  
Linguistic Knowledge ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Strategic Competence ◽  
Communication Problems

Abstract Communication strategies (CSs) are important in helping learners to communicate successfully when they are faced with a production problem due to their lack of linguistic knowledge. This paper aims to support the importance of developing second language learners’ strategic competence and making communication strategies part of an ELT syllabus. This paper first discusses the various definitions of strategic competence and communication strategies. Then it briefly presents various communication strategies used by second language learners to solve their communication problems. The major portion of this paper is devoted to strategy training and its advantages in language learning. Finally, the paper concludes with the importance of introducing tasks and activities on communication strategies in an EFL syllabus, and suggests ways of improving teaching methodology.

scholarly journals Classroom Participation as a Performative Act of Language Learners’ Identity Construction

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 72-84
Author(s):  
Rea Lujić
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Second Language Learners ◽  
Language Learner ◽  
Classroom Participation ◽  
Learner Identity ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
L2 Learners

Abstract In the first part of this study, we briefly present different approaches used to define the concept of second language learners’ identity. Then we introduce Butler’s theory of performativity (1988) and we attempt to apply its main concepts as tools for describing L2 learners’ identity. In the second part of the study, we try to answer the following question: What are typical performative acts of a good and a poor language learner in the language learning classroom? Our research suggests that performing a good language learner identity refers to the learner’s frequent and repetitive participation in utterances whose content is related to the language classroom, regardless of the chosen communicative resources. As for performing a poor language learner identity, it appeared that it refers to the learner’s repetitive and frequent participation in utterances whose content is not related to the language classroom, regardless of the chosen communicative resources.

scholarly journals Dialogic teaching in English-as-a-second-language classroom: Its effects on first graders with different levels of vocabulary knowledge

2021 ◽  
pp. 136216882098139
Author(s):  
Bonnie Wing-Yin Chow ◽  
Anna Na-Na Hui ◽  
Zhen Li ◽  
Yang Dong
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Phonological Awareness ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
English Language ◽  
First Graders ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Dialogic Teaching ◽  
Language Classroom

As an effective teaching approach that allows teachers and students to interact collaboratively and actively build on each other’s ideas, dialogic teaching can enhance classroom engagement and learning outcomes. This study addresses the use of dialogic teaching for improving English language learning among Chinese children with varied levels of English vocabulary. It focuses on the effects of dialogic teaching on vocabulary knowledge and phonological awareness. Seventy-two first graders from Hong Kong primary schools were tested on English vocabulary knowledge and phonological awareness and were assigned to control and experimental conditions. A 12-week dialogic teaching intervention was implemented in daily English lessons. Results from repeated measures ANOVA showed that students in the experimental condition with dialogic teaching implemented exhibited significantly greater growth in expressive vocabulary knowledge on textbook items in both low and high vocabulary groups, and greater gain in phonological awareness in the high vocabulary group, than those in the control condition. These results suggest that dialogic teaching in English-as-a-second-language (ESL) classroom enhances English language development in young ESL learners. In addition, when assessing the effectiveness of dialogic teaching in young children’s second language classroom context, it is important to consider its differential effects on children with diverse vocabulary levels.

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