Chinese as a Second Language Multilinguals’ Speech Competence and Speech Performance
Chinese as a Second Language Multilinguals’ Speech Competence and Speech Performance

Author: Peijian Paul Sun

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-08-19

Total Pages: 279

ISBN-13: 981156941X

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This book offers a comprehensive and systematic review of multilingual L2 learners’ spoken Chinese, focusing on the dual dimensions of speech competence and speech performance. Specifically, by adopting a mixed-methods approach, it explores the cognitive, affective, and socio-cultural differences between intermediate and advanced multilingual learners’ L2 Chinese speech competence and speech performance. Drawing on a theoretical framework underpinned by the affective filter hypothesis, L2 willingness to communicate model, L2 motivational self-system, and L2 speech production models, this book not only contributes to our theoretical understanding of the roles of various factors in L2 Chinese speech competence and speech performance, but also offers practical insights into the implications for both teachers and learners in terms of how to minimize the gap between these two dimensions among L2 Chinese learners. It concludes with a discussion on the limitations of L2 Chinese speech and on future directions for the field.

Individual Differences in Second/Foreign Language Speech Production: Multidisciplinary Approaches and New Sounds
Individual Differences in Second/Foreign Language Speech Production: Multidisciplinary Approaches and New Sounds

Author: Peijian Paul Sun

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2023-09-01

Total Pages: 137

ISBN-13: 2832528376

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Second/foreign language (L2) speech production is a complex process requiring individuals’ combined efforts to utilize various processing components such as conceptualiser, formulator, and articulator. Since the publication of Pim Levelt’s book Speaking – From Intention to Articulation in 1989, a considerable number of studies have examined L2 speech production in the field of neuroscience with a particular focus on the link between speech perception and speech production. Undeniably, a neurolinguistic examination of speech production can enrich our understanding of how human brains compute linguistic information at a cognitive level. However, it is insufficient by only focusing on the neurocognitive dimension of speech production, given that individuals’ speech production can be subject to various individual differences factors, either cognitively, affectively, or socio-culturally. It is, therefore, necessary to move beyond the neurocognitive understanding of speech production by taking every possible perspective into consideration. Individual difference, as an umbrella term, covers psychological traits, personal characteristics, cognitive and emotional components that distinguish learners from each other. Given that individual difference factors can reveal disparities in L2 learning and performance among learners, such factors have attracted researchers’ growing interest concerning their influences on L2 speech processing, their relationships with L2 speech performance, and their contributions to L2 speech development. Nevertheless, our understanding of L2 speech production is not only insufficient compared to other L2 skills such as writing and reading, but also limited to the neurocognitive account of L2 speech production. More research, therefore, is in urgent need to uncover the influence of various individual differences factors on L2 speech production from multidisciplinary perspectives.

Cognitive Bases of Second Language Fluency
Cognitive Bases of Second Language Fluency

Author: Norman Segalowitz

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2010-08-09

Total Pages: 326

ISBN-13: 1136968830

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Winner of the 2011 Kenneth W. Mildenberger Prize Exploring fluency from multiple vantage points that together constitute a cognitive science perspective, this book examines research in second language acquisition and bilingualism that points to promising avenues for understanding and promoting second language fluency. Cognitive Bases of Second Language Fluency covers essential topics such as units of analysis for measuring fluency, the relation of second language fluency to general cognitive fluidity, social and motivational contributors to fluency, and neural correlates of fluency. The author provides clear and accessible summaries of foundational empirical work on speech production, automaticity, lexical access, and other issues of relevance to second language acquisition theory. Cognitive Bases of Second Language Fluency is a valuable reference for scholars in SLA, cognitive psychology, and language teaching, and it can also serve as an ideal textbook for advanced courses in these fields.

Dimensions of L2 Performance and Proficiency
Dimensions of L2 Performance and Proficiency

Author: Alex Housen

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 318

ISBN-13: 9027213054

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Research into complexity, accuracy and fluency (CAF) as basic dimensions of second language performance, proficiency and development has received increased attention in SLA. However, the larger picture in this field of research is often obscured by the breadth of scope, multiple objectives and lack of clarity as to how complexity, accuracy and fluency should be defined, operationalized and measured. The present volume showcases current research on CAF by bringing together eleven contributions from renowned international researchers in the field. These contributions not only add to the body of empirical knowledge about L2 use and L2 development by bringing new research findings to light but they also address fundamental theoretical and methodological issues by responding to questions about the nature, manifestation, development and assessment of CAF as multifaceted constructs. Collectively, the chapters in this book illustrate the converging and sometimes diverging approaches that different disciplines bring to CAF research.

Introducing Second Language Acquisition
Introducing Second Language Acquisition

Author: Muriel Saville-Troike

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-04-05

Total Pages: 229

ISBN-13: 1107010896

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A clear and practical introduction to second language acquisition, written for students encountering the topic for the first time.

The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism
The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism

Author: John W. Schwieter

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2021-12-28

Total Pages: 882

ISBN-13: 1119387698

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The definitive guide to 21st century investigations of multilingual neuroscience The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism provides a comprehensive survey of neurocognitive investigations of multiple-language speakers. Prominent scholar John W. Schwieter offers a unique collection of works from globally recognized researchers in neuroscience, psycholinguistics, neurobiology, psychology, neuroimaging, and others, to provide a multidisciplinary overview of relevant topics. Authoritative coverage of state-of-the-art research provides readers with fundamental knowledge of significant theories and methods, language impairments and disorders, and neural representations, functions, and processes of the multilingual brain. Focusing on up-to-date theoretical and experimental research, this timely handbook explores new directions of study and examines significant findings in the rapidly evolving field of multilingual neuroscience. Discussions on the bilingual advantage debate, recovery and rehabilitation patterns in multilingual aphasia, and the neurocognitive effects of multilingualism throughout the lifespan allow informed investigation of contemporary issues. Presents the first handbook-length examination of the neuroscience and neurolinguistics of multilingualism Demonstrates how neuroscience and multilingualism intersect several areas of research, such as neurobiology and experimental psychology Includes works from prominent international scholars and researchers to provide global perspective Reflects cutting-edge research and promising areas of future study in the dynamic field of multilingual neuroscience The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism is an invaluable resource for researchers and scholars in areas including multilingualism, psycholinguistics, second language acquisition, and cognitive science. This versatile work is also an indispensable addition to the classroom, providing advanced undergraduate and graduate students a thorough overview of the field.