Discourse Analysis in the Language Classroom

by Riggenbach, Heidi

• ISBN13: 9780472085415
• ISBN10: 0472085417
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-03-01
• Publisher: Univ of Michigan Pr

Summary

Current methodological research has found that in order for learners to acquire language that is both linguistically accurate and socially appropriate, their awareness of patterns and of what is systematic about language must be developed. InDiscourse Analysis in the Language Classroom, Heidi Riggenbach has compiled activities that will foster this awareness by putting students in the role of discourse analysts and language researchers so that they may learn the patterns and systems for themselves. This book is intended for ESL/EFL teachers who wish to have a better understanding of discourse analysis as it applies to the language classroom and who need to design courses and materials with the goal of developing students' skills as researchers in acquiring their new language. The book includes: an overview of discourse analysis and its relevance to language teachers and learners; background material on the interesting features pertaining to oral language skills; presentation of techniques for preparing students to be researchers and for implementing discourse analysis tools in the classroom and the activities that employ these techniques; and a discussion of options for incorporating discourse analysis into different course situations.

Table of Contents

Part 1. Introduction	1	(52)
Chapter 1. Overview: Discourse Analysis in the Language Classroom	1	(35)
1. Discourse and Context Described	2	(4)
2. Communicative Competence and Discourse Analysis Activities	6	(7)
Sociolinguistic Competence	7	(3)
Linguistic Competence	10	(1)
Discourse Competence	11	(1)
Strategic Competence	12	(1)
3. Other Recent Trends in Theory and Pedagogy	13	(7)
The Communicative Movement	13	(1)
Learner Motivation	14	(1)
Focus on the Learner	15	(1)
Content-Centered and Task-Based Approaches	16	(1)
Experiential Learning/Learner-as-Researcher	17	(3)
4. Materials Design and Teacher Preference Considerations	20	(6)
Student Populations	20	(4)
Course/Syllabus Situations	24	(1)
Teacher Style	25	(1)
For Teachers: Discussion Questions	26	(2)
Suggested Readings and References	28	(8)
Chapter 2. Students as Discourse Analysts/Language Researchers: The Spoken Language	36	(17)
1. Qualitative Research in Perspective	36	(3)
2. Overview: Qualitative Research Principles and Methodology	39	(6)
Guiding Practices and Beliefs in Qualitative Research	39	(1)
Data Collection Issues	40	(2)
Working with Spoken Language Data	42	(3)
3. An Approach for Conducting Discourse Analysis Activities	45	(2)
For Teachers: Discussion Questions	47	(2)
Suggested Readings and References	49	(4)
Part 2. Activities	53	(158)
Chapter 3. Ways of Speaking	53	(93)
1. Discussion	54	(8)
Conversation	55	(3)
Nonconversation Genres	58	(2)
Macro-Level Social Constructs	60	(1)
Discourse Analysts Who Work with Spoken Language Data	60	(2)
2. Suggestions for Developing Original Activities	62	(3)
Sample Activities 1-14	65	(74)
Guide to Activities 1-14	65	(1)
Activity 1. Turn Taking	66	(5)
Additional Activity 1A. Claiming Turns	71	(1)
Additional Activity 1B. Predicting End-of-Turns	71	(2)
Activity 2. Fillers and Repairs	73	(5)
Activity 3. Listener Responses/Backchannels	78	(3)
Additional Activity 3A. Practicing Listener Responses	81	(1)
Additional Activity 3B. Ensuring Comprehension	82	(1)
Activity 4. Initiating Repairs	83	(4)
Activity 5. Openings	87	(3)
Activity 6. Closings	90	(5)
Activity 7. Speech Events	95	(5)
Activity 8. Discussions	100	(7)
Additional Activity 8A. Talk Show Host	107	(1)
Activity 9. Storytelling	107	(4)
Additional Activity 9A. Planned Narratives	111	(1)
Additional Activity 9B. Written Narratives	111	(1)
Activity 10. Style	112	(5)
Activity 11. Informative Talks	117	(3)
Additional Activity 11A. Persuasion	120	(1)
Activity 12. Attitudes and Assumptions	121	(5)
Activity 13. Language Classroom Research	126	(7)
Activity 14. Belief Systems	133	(4)
Additional Activity 14A. Interviews	137	(2)
For Teachers: Discussion Questions	139	(2)
Suggested Readings and References	141	(5)
Chapter 4. Micro Skills: Pronunciation, Grammar, and Vocabulary	146	(65)
1. Discussion	146	(5)
Grammar	148	(1)
Vocabulary	149	(1)
Pronunciation	150	(1)
2. Suggestions for Developing Original Activities	151	(51)
Sample Activities 15-26	152	(50)
Guide to Activities	152	(1)
Sample Activities 15-18: Pronunciation	153	(1)
Activity 15. Word Stress and Pauses	153	(4)
Activity 16. Reductions and Contractions	157	(7)
Activity 17. Linking	164	(3)
Activity 18. Problematic Vowels and Consonants	167	(6)
Sample Activities 19-22: Grammar	173	(1)
Activity 19. Present Perfect versus Simple Past	173	(3)
Activity 20. Conditionals	176	(2)
Activity 21. Child Language Acquisition	178	(4)
Activity 22. Problematic Structures	182	(5)
Sample Activities 23-26: Vocabulary	187	(1)
Activity 23. New Words	187	(3)
Activity 24. Specialized Words	190	(4)
Activity 25. Transition Words	194	(4)
Activity 26. Building Vocabulary	198	(4)
For Teachers: Discussion Questions	202	(1)
Suggested Readings and References	203	(8)
Appendixes	211
1. Sample Handout for Students--Activity 1. Turn Taking	211	(2)
2. Student Data Samples--Activity 1. Turn Taking	213	(4)
3. Sample Student-Generated Chapter (excerpts)--Activity 7. Speech Events	217	(3)
4. Sample Student-Written Character Portrayal--Activity 10. Style	220