Analysis of a series of computer science seminars indicates that use of the discourse marker "so" in dialogic talk is not random, rather it plays an important role in orienting the listener to the overall structure of the seminar. Analysis shows how the discourse marker occurs in specific environments, with specific prosodic features, and that its…

Reports on a study that investigated the extent to which two individual learner variables (ethnocultural pairing and gender) and certain types of task (free conversation and decision making) have an effect on negotiation opportunities provided for and by advanced Japanese and Korean male and female English-as-a-Second-Language learners.…

Reports on a structured exchange program between Chinese and Australian students that focuses on discussion and reflections on everyday cultural practices and behaviors, the most relevant but least accessible aspect of culture for international students. (Author/VWL)

Reviews samples of professional annotated bibliographies (ABs), and on the basis of these, establishes a list of potential features of its genre. Uses this list to evaluate student annotated bibliographies. Results show that students, as emerging members of their professional communities, have an understanding of the conventional structure of ABs…

Examines three current textbooks for German as a foreign language with regard to their coverage of Switzerland as a German-speaking nation. Concludes by suggesting that pluricentric German language textbooks for beginners are rare. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that while language variation is widespread and natural, it is subject to judgment and that where a standard has developed other varieties are judged against the standard. Investigates how teachers judge the speech of school-aged students and what influences that judgment. Results show teachers' perceptions of speech were most strongly…

Investigates learner perceptions of the use of asynchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) as a means of extending the community of learning in tertiary Chinese language and non-language courses. Finds that there exist pedagogical benefits in employing CMC, but the benefits do not necessarily arise from community building. (VWL)

Presents a stand-alone CD-Rom version of a Web-based course in Modern Standard Chinese and addresses the problem of losing opportunities for negotiation in joint involvement episodes with teachers and peers in the CD-ROM course. Demonstrates trials of a mode of self-assessment in tasks using annotated sample texts generated by other students. (VWL)

Describes computer-assisted group project activities, including the creation of a Web site and a poster, employed in a beginners' Japanese language course. Claims that the activities were positively received by students and suggests that three factors such as self-directed learning, group dynamics, and computer-related skills should be taken into…

Examines communicative interactions between native speakers (NSs) and nonnative speakers (NNSs) of Japanese on Internet relay chat, with a special focus on implicit negative feedback in the interactions. Reports that NSs of Japanese gave implicit negative feedback to their NNS partners and NNSs used the feedback in their subsequent production, but…

Looks at the use of Web-based resources in intermediate Japanese classes and argues that resource-based learning expands students' learning environments. Suggests that in order to be successful in resource-based learning, students need to develop strategies to deal with authentic Web resources and to use information searching skills and critical…

Explores the use of hyperlinks in the presentation of online lexical resources for Korean as a foreign language and investigates students' reactions to three different reading text formats; a paper-based format, a computer-based non-hypertext format, and a computer-based hypertext format. Reports that students considered the use of hyperlinks to…

Describes an off-campus distributed language course in Indonesian and discusses the use of computer mediated communication in on-campus and off-campus courses. Argues that off-campus delivery language programs need to seek the linking of learners to a community of learners with whom they share common goals and to the broader native speaker…

Presents a multimedia software package for teaching Indonesian listening comprehension and culture and reports the findings of an evaluative study of learner use of the software package. Asserts that there was a clear increase in comfort and confidence levels among learners using technology and high proficiency learners showed higher awareness of…

Outlines recent concerns regarding a perceived decline in literacy standards in Australia, with reference to changing literacy abilities and standards in tertiary education. Summarizes and critiques current discussions on changes in literacy expectations and contemporary notions of literacy. Concludes with discussion of three important agents of…