- Title
- Investigating a computer-assisted language learning approach for the development of second language word recognition from speech
- Creator
- Matthews, Joshua
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2015
- Description
- Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Description
- Second language (L2) listening is an essential component of L2 proficiency. The most critical aspect of L2 listening is the ability to recognise words from speech. Despite L2 word recognition from speech (WRS) being fundamentally important to successful L2 listening, it has been systemically underemphasised in L2 language learning research. As a consequence of this lack of research emphasis, very little empirical data exists regarding how L2 WRS can be developed in real language learning contexts. This thesis presents four contextualised research papers which aim to begin filling this gap in the existing literature. These papers in their entirety aim to address three primary research objectives: 1) To quantify the importance of the construct of WRS in L2 listening comprehension. ; 2) To examine the utility of computer assisted language learning (CALL) for the development of L2 WRS. ; 3) To contribute to the body of knowledge which can be used to inform future computer-mediated approaches to develop L2 WRS. Firstly, findings show L2 WRS is strongly associated with second language listening comprehension. The link between word recognition skill and L2 listening performance provides a strong rationale for research which investigates approaches to develop L2 WRS. Secondly, findings show that CALL does have utility in the development of L2 WRS in real language learning contexts. Two separate investigations which show the effectiveness of a web-based CALL application specifically designed to assist L2 learners to develop improved L2 WRS are presented. The CALL application which is described not only provides a model for CALL for the development of L2 WRS, but also provides a design framework from which future improved iterations can evolve. Lastly, in line with the research objective to improve future CALL approaches to develop L2 WRS, empirical data detailing learner use of the application developed and investigated as part of this thesis are analysed and presented. These empirical data are used as a framework for recommendations for future iterations of the L2 WRS application which may more adequately cater to learners’ individual differences.
- Subject
- second language (L2) listening; computer assisted language learning (CALL); word recognition from speech (WRS); thesis by publication
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1308111
- Identifier
- uon:21615
- Rights
- Copyright 2015 Joshua Matthews
- Language
- eng
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| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
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| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT01 | Abstract | 368 KB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download | ||
| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT02 | Thesis | 1 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |