ERIC Number: EJ1169597
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1750-1229
EISSN: N/A
The Interactive Modes of Non-Native Speakers in International Chinese Language Distance Class Discussions: An Analysis of Smiling as a Facial Cue
Sunaoka, Kazuko
Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, v12 n1 p24-34 2018
The focus of this research is on an international distance discussion class carried out in Chinese between university students in Japan, China and Taiwan using videoconferencing. Smiling was used as an interactional index in an analysis of the archival footage of the recordings of the discussion between native speakers (NS) of Chinese and non-native speakers (NNS). Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, it was possible to identify how the NSs and NNSs participated in the discussion. We analyzed a 70-minute video and the textual materials of a discussion class among 13 students from different countries. Findings revealed that interactions between NS and NNS students gave rise to more smiling and laughter compared to interactions between NS students. Findings also revealed that NNS students are better at creating affinity with other participants, since their laughter events could reflect differences in cultures and in human relationships though these jokes were less novel and less funny than those of NS students. Compared with more traditional class formats, the distance class is better at helping students develop their social, intercultural and problem-solving abilities. However, NS students are more likely to take the initiative in discussions due to their language ability, while the NNS students are less able to express their opinions freely. This research tells us that even though NNS students have disadvantages in terms of their linguistic resources, they make use of both verbal and non-verbal resources to interact with other speakers. Based on our analysis, suggestions for international distance foreign language teaching and research are given.
Descriptors: Chinese, Distance Education, Native Speakers, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Intercultural Communication, Mandarin Chinese, Videoconferencing, Foreign Countries, Statistical Analysis, Qualitative Research, Humor, Interpersonal Relationship, Interpersonal Competence, Problem Solving, Student Attitudes, Nonverbal Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Group Discussion, College Students
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan (Tokyo); China (Beijing); Taiwan (Taipei)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A