Second language speaking (Pre-published version)

Abstract

Approaches to spoken language description have contributed to the understanding of second language speaking. Three theoretical frameworks have also provided insight. Language Identity looks at the impact an additional language on an individual’s identity. Language Socialization sees language as the symbolic means by which humans appropriate norms of verbal and nonverbal behaviour. Sociocultural Theory draws on Vygotsky’s view of language acquisition as a sociocultural process linking the social/interactional with the cognitive. Speech acts research has also been important, but has generally used elicited data. Spoken corpora provide real data but raises issues concerning native and non-native speaker status as models.