A paper which looks at different methodologies which might be used in the second language classroom, and the importance of addressing socio-cultural as well as linguistic factors in second language teaching. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: JL5_JL2ndlang.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
(Demo, 2001, PG): one takes into account form and function, in written texts and oral interaction. Discourse analysis focuses on socio-cultural elements which structure our understanding of different sorts of
oral interaction and writings, as well as the linguistic features which are typical of different genres. In a discourse analysis of writing, for instance, one might look at topic development
and sentence cohesion; a similar analysis of spoken interaction could also include turn taking and narrative structure. In relating discourse analysis to second language teaching,
Demo states that whichever approach is used, there will always be some limitations to the development of students competence in the new language. There are various reasons for this; actual
contact time with the language, or with native speakers, may be limited, and it may not be possible for the students to experience other sorts of genres and discourse events,
besides classroom interaction, that make use of the target language. Teachers can make use of discourse analysis to improve patterns of interaction in the classroom:
Demo recommends a system of recording, viewing, transcribing and analysing. This will help the teacher to look more analytically at their own teaching patterns - the frequency and distribution of
their questions, the students responses, and any recurring patterns which occur. Discourse analysis can also help identify cross cultural linguistic patterns which are having an impact on the effectiveness of
communication. For example, in some cultures it is seen as a sign of involvement and interest to engage in "overlap" rather than waiting ones turn to speak; in other cultures,
though, such behaviour is regarded as impolite, since it interrupts the speaker. These variations in communication techniques can lead to breakdowns in communication and misunderstandings: discourse analysis of transcripts can