Discourse Strategies in Computer-Mediated Communication Between Native and Nonnative English Speakers

Angelica Ribeiro

Abstract


This mixed-methods study investigated the occurrence of discourse strategies during native speakers (NSs) and nonnative speakers (NNSs) synchronous computer-mediate communication (SCMC) to determine how NSs may contribute to NNSs’ subsequent second language (L2) learning. The data collection consisted of SCMC task-based interaction logs from six pairs (NS-NNS), reflection questionnaires, and interviews. This study identified nine different discourse strategies, including strategies that have not been given much attention by the literature on L2 interactions. Findings indicated that the NSs potentially contributed to the NNSs’ L2 development. However, the NSs could have contributed much more if they had taken advantage of the opportunities they had to promote negotiate episodes, expose the NNSs to new input, and encourage them to modify their output. Findings of this study could lead to better language learning task design for SCMC context so that L2 learning opportunities are fully explored. As a result, NNSs will potentially improve their L2 and feel more confident using their language skills meaningfully and authentically in their real-world situations. 


Keywords


computer-mediate communication, discourse strategies, second language learning

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