Linguistics 271B

Overview of Research

Dorothy M. Chun

Dept. of Germanic, Slavic & Semitic Studies

Fall 2000

I. Intonation Research

A. Acoustic Phonetic Analyses

1. fundamental frequency (Fo) analysis [CECIL, Signalyze programs]
2. discourse intonation, in particular turn-taking (features of turn-beginnings and turn-ends)
3. intonation and modal particles in German

B. Applications to the Teaching of Intonation

1. Signal Analysis Software for Teaching Pronunciation - http://llt.msu.edu/vol2num1/article4/index.html
2. Future project: software development for use by learners of both tonal and non-tonal languages to provide immediate feedback and allow repeated attempts to replicate native speaker patterns

II. Second Language Acquisition Research

• Most SLA research to date has focused on the acquisition of morphology and syntax, much less has been done on lexical acquisition or comprehension processes.
• My current research deals with cognitive learning theory, particularly the processes involved in vocabulary acquisition and text comprehension with multimedia and hypermedia.

A. L2 Vocabulary Acquisition

1. Lower-level process
2. Automaticity of word recognition
3. Inferring meaning (high mental effort) vs. passively receiving meaning (low mental effort)
4. Bimodal or multimodal input, dual coding theory

B. L2 Reading Comprehension

Is L2 reading more a reading or a linguistic problem?

1. Higher-level process
2. Discourse/Text comprehension with multimedia aids
3. Schema theory (activating prior knowledge, e.g. with advance organizers)
4. Building mental models (do visual aids help or hinder model building?)

C. Individual Learning Differences

1. Cognitive styles, learning styles (e.g. visualizers vs. verbalizers, high vs. low spatial ability learners)
2. Linguistic aptitude: in L1 (high vs. low verbal ability) and L2 (aided by background knowledge?)

D. L2 Reading on the Web

1. NetLearn and ActionCatcher

E. Effects of Computer Mediated Communication CMC on SLA

1. Article in System (1994)
2. Daedalus Integrated Writing Environment (DIWE)
3. Related articles in Language Learning and Technology