Online Second Language Acquisition: Conversation Analysis of Online Chat

(Paperback, NIPPOD)

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Description

A book-length exploration of the role of online chat in supporting the teaching and learning of foreign languages is well overdue. Tudini's new book takes a Conversation Analysis approach, which isnew toonline Second Language Acquisition. It provides observable, previously undocumented insights into hownative speakersand learners pursue the learning of foreign language and culture during online text chat.

It looks at dyadic chat between native speakers and learners, with examplesdrawn froma corpus featuring 133 learners and 584 native speakers of Italian. This unique book contributes to our understanding of how conversation in a foreign language unfolds between native speakers and learners in an online social environment, rather than in the classroom.

It will be of interest to researchers in second language acquisition and conversation analysis, as well as language teachers.

Reviews

This book pushes research on computer-mediated language learning into new directions. It argues that engaging in web-based chat with native speakers provides opportunities for sustained language learning. Vincenza Tudini uses Conversation Analysis techniques to present a detailed and well-argued analysis which demonstrates where opportunities for learning are to be found in chat and how such interactions contribute to learning. This book is an important contribution both for those interested in the use of technology in language education and for those who wish to use microanalysis of interaction to understand processes of acquisition. -- Tony Liddicoat, Professor in Applied Linguistics, University of South Australia, Australia
Different from much other research, this study approaches language learning from a CA perspective and demonstrates how online chat provides opportunities for language learning with ample episodes of online interactions (a corpus of over 100,000 turns). Following the traditional practice of CA, the study has done detailed empirical research into online chat and draws conclusions in a deductive way. With ample data, detailed and well-argued analysis, and convincing results, it provides us with documented, observable and credible evidence and insights into language learning concerning form, accuracy, appropriateness and culture from a brand-new perspective, which makes this study unique and inspiring to language teachers and researchers. Its uniqueness lies in its special approach to SLA, large-scaled investigation, comprehensive analysis and feasible suggestions. As language researchers, we may get some inspiration about choosing a perspective or entry point when some issue is put on the agenda. Looking from a different perspective, we may enjoy a finer view. -- Haicui Zheng, School of Foreign Languages, Inner Mongolia University, Huhhot, China * Discourse Studies 14(4), 2012 *

Author Bio

Vincenza Tudini is Senior Lecturer in the School of Communication, International Studies and Languages and member of the Research Centre for Languages and Cultures, University of South Australia, Australia .