Abstract
The study reported in this paper challenges current models of measuring second language fluency by comparing monologic versus dialogic task performance, and providing a novel insight into the measurement of the interactive aspects of dialogic performance. The data that constitute 35 monologic and dialogic task performances from second language learners were coded using a battery of established measures known to tap different aspects of fluency, and subjected to statistical analysis to test for overlaps or differences. Interactive aspects of fluency in dialogue, e. g. interruptions, overlap and unclaimed between turn pauses were also investigated to compare with common measures of monologic speech. While the results confirm previous research findings suggesting that performance is in general statistically more fluent in a dialogue in terms of speed, length of pause and repair measures, they indicate that performances in the two modes are not different in terms of number and location of pauses. The analysis of the dialogues indicates that the decisions researchers make about measuring the interactive aspects of fluency would have an impact on the outcome of measurements of fluency. These findings highlight the need for developing a more systematic and reliable approach to measuring second language (L2) fluency.
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©2016 by De Gruyter Mouton
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- New directions and developments in defining, analyzing and measuring L2 speech fluency
- Second language fluency and its underlying cognitive and social determinants
- Ladders and Snakes in Second Language Fluency
- Predicting pauses in L1 and L2 speech: the effects of utterance boundaries and word frequency
- Fluency in monologic and dialogic task performance: Challenges in defining and measuring L2 fluency
- A qualitative analysis of perceptions of fluency in second language French
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- New directions and developments in defining, analyzing and measuring L2 speech fluency
- Second language fluency and its underlying cognitive and social determinants
- Ladders and Snakes in Second Language Fluency
- Predicting pauses in L1 and L2 speech: the effects of utterance boundaries and word frequency
- Fluency in monologic and dialogic task performance: Challenges in defining and measuring L2 fluency
- A qualitative analysis of perceptions of fluency in second language French