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ETD Abstract Container

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Changing Focus: From Second / Foreign Language Teaching to Communication Learning

Postica, Adina M
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1147275010

Abstract Details

2006, Master of Arts, University of Toledo, English (as a Second Language).
This thesis presents a historical overview of conceptions of language and language teaching and discusses the incompatibility of these conceptions with the reality of human communication. Emphasis is put on the work of Noam Chomsky and his followers, and assumptions on which they based their research are refuted. The thesis discusses the domain confusions on which traditional linguistics relies and reviews Victor H. Yngve’s framework for human linguistics. Based on human linguistics theory, a change in focus is suggested, from language teaching to communication learning; research in neurobiology that supports the proposed change is presented. An experiment (previously reported at TESOL 2006) is described that looks at what constitutes input in real-world communication. The results of the experiment indicate the role of mental imagery in generating input for communication learning; the concept of mental imagery is discussed. New terminology is suggested as well as a number of ways to improve the outcomes of communication learning in classroom settings. Simulation in the classroom is reviewed from the perspective of human linguistics and retained as the most appropriate practical application for communication learning.
Douglas Coleman (Advisor)
56 p.
second / foreign language teaching; communication learning; linguistics; human linguistics; hard science linguistics; real-world communication; comprehensible input; mental imagery; simulation for language classroom; Victor H. Yngve

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Postica, A. M. (2006). Changing Focus: From Second / Foreign Language Teaching to Communication Learning [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1147275010

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Postica, Adina. Changing Focus: From Second / Foreign Language Teaching to Communication Learning. 2006. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1147275010.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Postica, Adina. "Changing Focus: From Second / Foreign Language Teaching to Communication Learning." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1147275010

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1147275010
1,955
© 2006, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.