ERIC Number: EJ1151629
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1945-0222
EISSN: N/A
Task Type Effects on Pragmatic Marker Use by Learners at Varying Proficiency Levels
Neary-Sundquist, Colleen
L2 Journal, v5 n2 p1-21 2013
Previous research has shown that the degree of structure in a task affects the complexity, accuracy, and fluency of L2 oral production (Foster & Skehan 1999). The acquisition of pragmatic markers may be related to the development of second language fluency, but there is limited research on their use by second language learners on different task types. This study examines the use of pragmatic markers on four different tasks that differ in their degree of inherent structure. The results show that the most structured task, leaving a telephone message, led to a significantly lower frequency of pragmatic marker use than the other tasks. The results also suggest that learners at different proficiency levels react differently to the degree of structure in various tasks.
Descriptors: Task Analysis, Pragmatics, Second Language Learning, Language Proficiency, Difficulty Level, Accuracy, Language Fluency, English Language Learners, Comparative Analysis, Language Tests, Graduate Students, Asians, Native Speakers, Intercultural Communication, Statistical Analysis
Berkeley Language Center, University of California. B-40 Dwinelle Hall #2640, Berkeley, CA 94720. Web site: http://escholarship.org/uc/uccllt_l2
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A