Exploring the role of conversational involvement in L2 discourse : a case study of Chinese L2 learners' casual conversations with native speakers of English
Exploring the role of conversational involvement in L2 discourse : a case study of Chinese L2 learners' casual conversations with native speakers of English
This study explores the affective role of NS (native speaker)-NNS (non-native speaker) interaction in second language (L2) learning. The theoretical ground underpinning this study is the acquisitional role of NS-NNS interaction in L2 learning.
The research is case study based and involves three Chinese competent learners of English. The investigation of a small number of participants allows for in-depth analysis set in context, and the possibility to explore the role of learner involvement in L2 discourse at a micro level in a study-abroad situation. Research methods such as questionnaires, interviews and NS-NNS conversations recorded in naturalistic settings were employed to collect data over an eight month period. The investigation of the subjects’ overall L2 experiences suggests a possible connection between L2 learners’ WTC and learner involvement in NS-NNS interaction, and reveals the subjects’ own standards for ‘good and meaningful conversations’. Conversation analysis, on the other hand, identifies different patterns of conversational involvement in topic discussion between the NNS group and the NS group, as revealed under the following types of topic genre: ‘observation’, ‘(personal) information seeking/providing’, ‘opinion seeking/providing’, ‘story-telling’, ‘chat’ topics and ‘gossiping’.
The social function of these topic genres in forming and reshaping social identity and interpersonal relations among the participants are thus discussed, which contributes to the understanding of the common complaints found among Chinese L2 learners, such as ‘the lack of common topics with native speakers’ and ‘the lack of depth of the conversation with native speakers’.
University of Southampton
Liu, Ping Ping
80458f47-f114-42a0-a6f6-f33c532fabeb
2006
Liu, Ping Ping
80458f47-f114-42a0-a6f6-f33c532fabeb
Liu, Ping Ping
(2006)
Exploring the role of conversational involvement in L2 discourse : a case study of Chinese L2 learners' casual conversations with native speakers of English.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
This study explores the affective role of NS (native speaker)-NNS (non-native speaker) interaction in second language (L2) learning. The theoretical ground underpinning this study is the acquisitional role of NS-NNS interaction in L2 learning.
The research is case study based and involves three Chinese competent learners of English. The investigation of a small number of participants allows for in-depth analysis set in context, and the possibility to explore the role of learner involvement in L2 discourse at a micro level in a study-abroad situation. Research methods such as questionnaires, interviews and NS-NNS conversations recorded in naturalistic settings were employed to collect data over an eight month period. The investigation of the subjects’ overall L2 experiences suggests a possible connection between L2 learners’ WTC and learner involvement in NS-NNS interaction, and reveals the subjects’ own standards for ‘good and meaningful conversations’. Conversation analysis, on the other hand, identifies different patterns of conversational involvement in topic discussion between the NNS group and the NS group, as revealed under the following types of topic genre: ‘observation’, ‘(personal) information seeking/providing’, ‘opinion seeking/providing’, ‘story-telling’, ‘chat’ topics and ‘gossiping’.
The social function of these topic genres in forming and reshaping social identity and interpersonal relations among the participants are thus discussed, which contributes to the understanding of the common complaints found among Chinese L2 learners, such as ‘the lack of common topics with native speakers’ and ‘the lack of depth of the conversation with native speakers’.
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Published date: 2006
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Local EPrints ID: 466079
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/466079
PURE UUID: 1675249a-9512-4207-8295-8fcb3a385cf0
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Date deposited: 05 Jul 2022 04:15
Last modified: 16 Mar 2024 20:30
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Author:
Ping Ping Liu
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