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Female, Nonnative Perspectives on Second Language Conversation: Connecting Participation with Intercultural Sensitivity
Author(s) -
Edstrom Anne M.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.2005.tb02450.x
Subject(s) - conversation , psychology , affect (linguistics) , style (visual arts) , intercultural communication , competence (human resources) , linguistics , intercultural competence , cultural competence , pedagogy , sociology , social psychology , communication , philosophy , archaeology , history
Although proficiency is a primary goal, the objectives of second language (L2) teaching are also to enhance learners' understanding of the nature of language and culture (National Standards, 1999). This study, based on interviews with 13 American women living in Venezuela, explores nonnatives' perspectives on factors that influence their participation in L2 conversation: familiarity with L2 conversational styles, ability to accept differences in style, and interest in topics of conversation. The participants' experiences highlight the role of individual differences and the link between language and culture. Bennett's (1993) model of intercultural sensitivity provides a framework for considering the role of culture in the development of L2 conversation skills, and these findings reinforce the value of exposing learners to factors that may affect their L2 competence.