Social context and fluency in L2 learners : the case of Wales / Lynda Pritchard Newcombe.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Newcombe, Lynda Pritchard.

Series:

New perspectives on language and education.

New perspectives on language and education

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Language and languages--Study and teaching--Social aspects--Wales.

Language and languages.

Welsh language--Study and teaching--Social aspects.

Welsh language.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (153 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Clevedon, UK ; Buffalo, NY : Multilingual Matters, c2007.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Social context, an often-neglected dimension in L2 learning/use, can play a vital role in sustaining learners’ initial motivation. As researchers have begun to shift their focus from teaching to learners and learner variables, what happens to learners when they practise their new skills in the community, has become an important area of concern. Using data on Welsh learners’ experiences outside the classroom, the author argues that, in order to learn a second or foreign language successfully, learners require regular interaction in the target language in a setting in which they feel comfortable. The impact on learners of native speakers’ switch to a language of wider communication, their speed of speech, use of dialect and identity issues are explored as are the relevance of practical issues such as time and opportunity and affective factors such as anxiety.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Acknowledgements

Glossary

Foreword

1. Introduction

2. Adult Language Learners

3. The Learner’s Experience in the Community

4. Issues of Culture and Identity

5. Anxiety and Lack of Confidence

6. Time and Opportunity

7. Sustaining Motivation

8. Conclusions and Recommendations

Appendix A: Instructions to Participants for Journal Writing

References

Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 119-133) and index.

ISBN:

9786610935079

9781280935077

1280935073

9781853599965

1853599964

OCLC:

476087454