On Discourse, Communication, and (Some) Fundamental Concepts in SLA Research

Abstract

This article argues for a reconceptualization of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research that would enlarge the ontological and empirical parameters of the field. We claim that methodologies, theories, and foci within SLA reflect an imbalance between cognitive and mentalistic orientations, and social and contextual orientations to language, the former orientation being unquestionably in the ascendancy. This has resulted in a skewed perspective on discourse and communication, which conceives of the foreign language speaker as a deficient communicator struggling to overcome an underdeveloped L2 competence, striving to reach the "target" competence of an idealized native speaker (NS). We contend that SLA research requires a significantly enhanced awareness of the contextual and interactional dimensions of language use, an increased "ernie" (i.e., participant-relevant) sensitivity towards fundamental concepts, and the broadening of the traditional SLA data base. With such changes in place, the field of SLA has the capacity to become a theoretically and methodologically richer, more robust enterprise, better able to explicate the processes of second or foreign language (SjFL) acquisition, and better situated to engage with and contribute to research commonly perceived to reside outside its boundaries. New Series of Monographs and Textbooks on Women in German Literature WOMEN IN GERMAN LITERATURE IS A NEW SERIES OF MONOGRAPHS AND TEXTBOOKSfocusing on female authors and on women's issues in German literature from the Middle Ages to the present. These studies present edited texts and research in women's literary history, as well as feminist analysis, theory, and criticism. The first volumes are scheduled to appear in 1998.Persons wishing to have a manuscript considered for inclusion in the Women in German Literature series should submit a letter of inquiry with an abstract of the manuscript to the general editor.

Your language or mine? or English as a lingua franca? Comparing effectiveness in English as a lingua franca and L1–L2 interactions: implications for corporate language policies

“…Firth and Wagner 1997). Mautner (1999), for example, stresses that learners of business English view language as a means to an end and have no interest in language per se.…”

Peruvian Meatballs?: <i>Constructing the Other in the performance of an inclusive school</i>

“…However, identity issues surrounding second language classes have only gained attention in the past two decades. Several important contributions have called for a reconceptualisation within SLA research (Block 1996;Firth & Wagner 1997;Norton Peirce 1995;Rampton 1997), so as to enhance the awareness of contextual and interactional dimensions of language use and learning, as well as to achieve an increased responsiveness towards participant-relevant categorisations. Concomitantly, there has been a shift in the field -from a predominantly psycholinguistic, cognitive approach to alternative approaches to SLA.…”

Language Learning and Integration of Adult Bhutanese Refugees: An Ethnographic Study

“…The social perspective on second language acquisition (SLA) suggests that language is acquired through meaningful interaction in a variety of social contexts (Firth & Wagner, 1997;Norton Pierce, 1995;Spolsky, 1988). As Firth and Wagner put it, "language is acquired and learned through social interaction … and should be studied in interactive encounters" (p. 287).…”

“…Taking the perspective that the context has a "strong and traceable" (Spolsky, 1988) influence in language learning, this chapter will discuss how the framework of context and social relationship enables or limits the learners' investment and progress in acquiring English. Many SLA researchers have contended that although language learning is an individual process, it occurs in a specific social context and thus needs to be understood with reference to the sociocultural factors embedded in the given contexts (Collentine & Freed, 2004;Firth & Wagner, 1997;Norton Pierce, 1995;Spolsky, 1988).…”