Promoting multimodal practices in multilingual classes of Italian in Canada and in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-311
Author(s):  
Giuliana Salvato
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Body Language ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Romance Languages ◽  
Multimodal Approach ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
Italian Language ◽  
Verbal Language

Abstract This paper offers a qualitative analysis of the responses that 28 advanced learners of Italian in Canada and Italy contributed to a questionnaire asking them to interpret the meanings and functions of six Italian gestures, alone and in combination with dialogues. Participants were also asked to comment on their perception of body language in their L1 and in Italian. The purpose of the exercise was to expand L2 pedagogy towards multimodality, while at the same time accounting for learners’ multilingualism. We found that participants appreciated a multimodal approach to their Italian language learning experience. We also found that knowledge of languages typologically related to Italian (i.e. Romance languages) was no guarantee that our groups of multilinguals would be facilitated in the interpretation of L2 gesture forms and meanings. Rather, the presence of verbal language in dialogues, the form of gesture, and familiarity with the nonverbal characteristics of interactions in the target language, helped participants succeed in this multimodal activity.

scholarly journals Foreign Language Learners’ Attitudes and Perceptions of L1 Use in L2 Classroom

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maram S. Almohaimeed ◽  
Huda M. Almurshed
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
English Classes ◽  
English Class ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Preparatory Year

Whether to avoid learners’ first language (L1) or to make use of it in the second language (L2) classes is a controversial issue. Some studies have challenged the effectiveness of the monolingual approach to foreign language learning. This study investigates Saudi university learners’ attitudes and perceptions towards incorporating their L1(Arabic) in English class. This study also sheds light into the relationship between students’ perceptions and proficiency level in the target language. To this end, Gaebler's questionnaire (2014) was administered to 60 female learners studying in the preparatory year at a Saudi university. They were from three different English proficiency levels. The results showed that advanced learners hold a negative attitude towards the use of L1 in their English classes, whereas elementary and intermediate learners generally perceive the judicious use of their L1 positively.

Bringing Cross-Cultural Communication Analysis Into Foreign Language Classrooms

2019 ◽  
pp. 71-97
Author(s):  
Trudy O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Intercultural Communication ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Linguistic Features ◽  
Cross Cultural Communication ◽  
Language Classrooms

The teaching of a second or foreign language has always incorporated some aspect of cultural information, but the full and rather complex nature of cross-cultural and intercultural communication has not always been an explicit pedagogical focus. The chapter outlines the key components of cross-cultural and intercultural communication (CCC/ICC), and reviews some major theories that have dominated the area. It is suggested that providing explicit instruction in CCC/ICC to language learners will prepare them for interacting appropriately in the target language in whatever global context they may wish to use it. Learners need to be not only linguistically and pragmatically but culturally competent as well as they move into multicultural contexts of interaction in that language. Specific elements of cross-/intercultural communication with regards to linguistic features and potential points of confusion in the EFL (English-as-a-foreign language) classroom are discussed as accessible examples. The chapter then relates some ways that cross-/intercultural mindfulness and understanding can form an active part of the teaching of a second/foreign language in order to enhance the full language learning experience and subsequent entry to successful communication.

CSCL – a tool to motivate foreign language learners: The Finnish application

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
TUIJA LEHTONEN ◽  
SIRPA TUOMAINEN
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Computer Supported Collaborative Learning ◽  
On Line ◽  
Language Students

This article discusses the applications of the theory of Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) to teaching and learning a foreign language, in this case, one of the ‘Less Commonly Taught Languages’, Finnish. The ‘Virtually Finnish’ project was based on the idea of creating a larger, virtual Finnish learning community among the second-year Finnish language students in five US universities during the fall semester, 2001. CSCL was chosen as a base, as its principal goal is to aid the learners in sharing and distributing their knowledge to the whole learning community. In addition to discussing the set up and the content of the project, the students’ feedback about their language learning experience in the CSCL-environment will be examined. Furthermore, the conclusions, and the realization of our goals from the perspective of CSCL, as well as the students’ feedback on the collaborative process will be discussed. Based on the knowledge gained from limited feedback, a discussion of tools to aid language students in becoming a part of motivating and authentic collaboration projects on-line will be discussed. Looking at the students’ work on-line, as well as the feedback received, it was realized that certain skills crucial for communication have been neglected in teaching. Furthermore, it was realized that teaching on-line learning strategies in addition to teaching the target language is crucial. Future plans, and ideas for research in the area of CSCL will be shared in anticipation of inspiring others to undertake further research.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Cultural Research Course Project on Foreign Language Students’ Intercultural Competence and Language Learning

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang Li ◽  
Yingqin Liu
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mandarin Chinese ◽  
Intercultural Competence ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Cultural Research ◽  
Language Students ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Foreign Language Students

This study explores whether using a cultural research course project can positively impact foreign language students’ intercultural competence and language learning. Using a case study method, the researchers recruited 12 student participants from an Intermediate Mandarin Chinese I class and from an Introduction to Mandarin Chinese I class in the Fall 2014 semester at a small public southwest university in USA. The project asked the participants to do a PowerPoint oral presentation on special topics from the target language culture and then to write a reflective cultural comparison English essay on this learning experience during the final exam. The findings show that, through doing the project, the students have improved their intercultural competence in that they have a more positive attitude towards “otherness,” enriched their cultural knowledge of the target language society and  that of their own, and obtained skills in critically appreciating and evaluating both similarities and differences  between the target language culture and their own. The students also expanded their language learning experience beyond the classroom and textbook and acquired better language skills in listening, speaking, and writing Chinese characters while they became more interested in and motivated by learning the target language and culture. Recommendations for future study are discussed.

Omani Undergraduate Students' Writing Errors

2015 ◽  
pp. 288-306
Author(s):  
Muhammed Ali Chalikandy
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Linguistic Competence ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Writing Errors

This chapter analyses learners' writing errors. It focuses on error types and sources because these will reveal learners' current linguistic competence and what they need now for improvement. Data was collected mainly from the written work of English Department students at Al Buraimi University College. Results show that their errors are both interlingual and intralingual and that there is a positive relationship between these and learning strategies. Not only does the learners' previous language-learning experience influence the process of second language acquisition; target language learning experience does so as well.

scholarly journals The Usage of Combined Components of Verbal L, Vocal and Visual (3-V Components) of Children in Daily Conversation: Psycholinguistic Observation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-301
Author(s):  
Amanda Pratiwi Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Pretend Play ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Body Language ◽  
Verbal Language ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Quantitative Descriptive ◽  
And Linguistics ◽  
Descriptive Method

This thesis aims at explaining, describing and a study of research about the pshycholinguistic, in order to know what kind of the usage of combined components of 3-V (Verbal language 7%, Intonation (Vocal) 38%, Body language (Visual) 55% by childrens of age in daily conversation. Research conducted qualitative and quantitative descriptive method research with using triangulation techniques to data collection. There are interview, field research or observation and literature review or document. The results of the study showed that competence and linguistics performance by childrens of age in daily conversation affected by three pshycholinguistic streams, that is behaviouristic pshycholinguistic, cognitive pshycholinguistic and mentalistic pshycholinguistic in improve the delivery of meaning with using combined components of 3-V (Verbal language 7%, Intonation (Visual) 38%, Body language (Visual) 55% in daily conversation. Step and method which is used for improve competence and performance linguistics by childrens of age in daily conversation, that is with how to improve their the affected of three pshycholinguistic streams;  behaviouristic pshycholinguistic, cognitive pshycholinguistic and mentalistic pshycholinguistic is with the childrens needs to learn and study languages through  the pattern as follows: 1. All components, system and language skills are learned in integrated manner. 2. Language learning is done naturally and directly in an authentic context. 3. Language learning is done in stages according to their needs. 4. Language learning is done through trial-error strategic. Skilled at dialogue with interviewing various of the professional of type, the importance of pretend play through sociodramatic play for the affected cognitive pshycholinguistic development by the childrens, behaviouristic pshycholinguistic and their mentalistic pshycholinguistic.

Developing crosslinguistic awareness through plurilingual consciousness-raising tasks

2021 ◽  
pp. 136216882110565
Author(s):  
Nina Woll ◽  
Pierre-Luc Paquet
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Metalinguistic Awareness ◽  
Consciousness Raising ◽  
Language Courses ◽  
Mixed Feelings ◽  
University Level ◽  
The University

If maximal exposure were the key to success in language learning, then adult learners at the university level would be doomed to fail. Not only are they presumably too old to learn additional languages effectively, but target language (TL) input appears to be insufficient, especially when other languages are allowed in class. Nevertheless, learners were shown to build on knowledge of previously acquired languages, to rely on language learning experience and to develop metalinguistic awareness. This study explores the perceived usefulness of a plurilingual consciousness-raising task that aims at helping learners make and strengthen connections between the TL and other previously acquired languages. Two university-level language courses were targeted: Spanish in Quebec and French in Mexico. Two customized tasks were implemented and recorded in each course throughout the semester. Each task included an input-based (discovery) phase, a reflective (metalinguistic) phase during which participants were asked to make assumptions on underlying patterns and correspondences across languages, and a validation phase where they presented their assumptions until reaching a consensus as a group. While tasks were generally perceived as useful, analyses of post-task questionnaires also revealed mixed feelings regarding its inductive stance. However, the verbal data collected demonstrated that the collaborative and metalinguistic reflective nature of the task permitted learners to find correspondences between languages and to engage in knowledge construction. Moreover, the various reflections collected indicate that learners benefitted from the task as groups engaged in metalinguistic reflections, activated their plurilingual repertoire and were able to create accurate assumptions regarding the targeted structure.

scholarly journals Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran Komunikasi Non-verbal Bahasa Arab dengan Bahasa Tubuh sebagai Pemahaman Kinesik Lintas Budaya

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Isma'il Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Body Language ◽  
Verbal Language ◽  
Universal Language ◽  
Library Research ◽  
Interesting Study ◽  
Data Collection Technique

Arabic is a universal language, Learning Arabic cannot be separated from the social and environmental environment that surrounds it. Learning Arabic requires adaptation to the environment which is an integral part of educational institutions. Students are part of the learning process, after formal education is complete, then they again become one of the important elements in society. Non-verbal language is statement forms of personality or personality traits that are manifested in body movements. Arabic is also an interesting study, where Arabic is one of the dominant Semitic languages ​​and still persists today. Based on the focus of the study, this study aims to describe: The Implementation of Learning Arabic non-verbal communication with Body Language as a cross-cultural kinesic understanding. This research is "Library Research". The research data used is secondary data. The data collection technique used by the authors in this study is documentation. Data processing is carried out by conducting study activities, verification and reduction, grouping and systematization, and interpretation or interpretation so that a phenomenon has social, academic, and scientific value. While data analysis in this study was carried out during and after data collection using descriptive-critical-comparative methods, and content analysis methods. From the results of the analysis it was concluded that: 1) In its development language became a feature of a culture. At a minimum it becomes a differentiator between one community and another in terms of language use. 2) Since the first year of his life in the world, children take part in conversations using body language and non-verbal cues. Then little by little they learn linguistic codes of language, how codes represent objects, events and types of relationships between objects and events. They learn how to send and receive orders with spoken language. 3) The role of Arabic in national culture has taken an important part since the development of Islam in the archipelago in the XIII century and its role is still felt lexically and semantically

scholarly journals The Role of Linguistic Typology, Target Language Proficiency and Prototypes in Learning Aspectual Contrasts in Italian as Additional Language

Languages ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Francesco Vallerossa
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Romance Languages ◽  
Inflectional Morphology ◽  
Lexical Aspect ◽  
Oral Retelling ◽  
Advanced Stages ◽  
Selection Of

The study examines how prototypes and typological relationships between the L1, the L2 and the target language (TL) interact with TL proficiency in learning Italian as additional language. Low-proficiency and high-proficiency undergraduate learners of Italian (N = 25) with Swedish as L1 performed an oral retelling story test, aiming to elicit the Italian aspectual contrast perfective-imperfective. Their tense selection was analyzed considering the predicates’ lexical aspect and the learners’ knowledge of a Romance L2, or lack thereof. The findings show that the typological proximity between the L2 and the TL exerts a differential role depending on TL proficiency. Initially, it is beneficial for accelerating the overall emergence of the imperfetto as an aspectual marker. However, the prototype factor and, more specifically, the predicates’ dynamicity influences the selection of past inflectional morphology. At more advanced stages, knowledge of a Romance language helps learners move beyond prototypical associations with the passato prossimo, but it does not seem to influence the use of the imperfetto among high-proficiency learners. These results are discussed in the light of research on the second and additional language learning of aspectual contrasts in Romance languages.

scholarly journals Understanding EFL students’ learning through classroom research: Experiences of teacher-researchers

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Foreign Language Teachers ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
English As Foreign Language ◽  
Teacher Researchers ◽  
Academic Events

What should foreign language teachers do to help their students improve their linguistic skills? Many are the ways how teachers can support their students´ learning process. There are a variety of methods, strategies, techniques, as well as materials and resources we can rely on in order for our students to succeed in the development of their skills. Teachers can get ideas on what to do from published research, presentations at academic events, informal conversations with colleagues, online resources, and their own language learning experience. It is just a matter trying these ideas out and evaluate the extent to which they favor the enhancement of students´ linguistic competences in the target language. In line with these ideas, this book is intended to inform pre-service and in-service EFL teachers about the result of investigations conducted by English as foreign language teachers. The book is composed of five chapters which demonstrate how these teachers have taken a step further by taking the role of teacher-researchers to understand and boost their students´ performance.

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