Projects-in-Progress Symposium

The Projects-in-Progress Symposium will feature 11 presentations this year. These presentations are brief (5 min. each), report research projects in progress, and seek to receive feedback from the audience. Presenters will state what kind of feedback they would like to receive and will engage in a live Q&A with the audience.

Presentation 1

Inquiry-based telecollaborative model of language exchange and intercultural communication (a theoretical investigation).

Presenter: Murod Ismailov, PhD

Abstract: In this Project-in-Progress presentation, I present a theoretical and methodological study proposing an inquiry-based model of telecollaborative lingua-cultural exchanges. During discussions with the SLAT roundtable participants I would like to receive constructive comments and feedback related to both conceptual and practical aspects of this project.

Presentation 2

Chunk or non-chunk, that is a processing question!

Presenter: Xiaolong Lu

Abstract: This study is a working-in-progress project with a goal to test how learners of Chinese process chunks in an online grammaticality judgement test, the finding contributes to our understanding of lexical processing in psycholinguistics and sheds light on usage-based vocabulary learning and teaching in an L2 setting.

Presentation 3

Effects of Semantic Relatedness on L2 Vocabulary Learning.

Presenter: Jose Luis Garrido Rivera

Abstract: This proposal focuses on the role of semantic relatedness in L2 vocabulary learning. Extant theories and empirical research have found conflicting results that may partially stem from the lack of operationalization of semantic relatedness. This study will use Vinson and Vigliocco’s (2008) semantic distances to address this issue.

Presentation 4

A Corpus-based Comparative Study on Reporting Verbs in Undergraduate Students' L2 Writing.

Presenter: Hui Wang

Abstract: This study will explore the reporting verb practices in undergraduate students' second language (L2) literature review writing. 29 first drafts and 32 final drafts are collected from Crow corpus. We will compare and analyze linguistic diversity and rhetorical functions (e.g. self-reference, authorial pronouns, modal verbs) in undergraduate students' first drafts and final drafts. Based on the results, some insightful pedagogical implications on source use strategies will be provided for future L2 writing classes.

Presentation 5

Effects of Output Activity and Instructions on Online Vocabulary Learning.

Presenter: Hyeonah Kang, Janet Nicol, & Masha Fedzechkina

Abstract: Is vocabulary learning enhanced by (a) a subsequent output activity (OA), and (b) being forewarned of an OA? Participants were L1 English-speakers and English-learners (Korean L1). They read an English text containing novel non-words, performed a fill-in-the-blank OA, and completed a vocabulary test. Results show positive effects of both variables.

Presentation 6

The challenges of shifting first-year L2 college composition online.

Presenter: Heewon Lee and Desirée Midby

Abstract: Many first-year second language college composition courses in the United States were abruptly moved to an online platform due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The presenters will present their project in progress on how graduate teaching assistants have navigated the challenges of shifting to an online platform and strategized teaching online.

Presentation 7

Music and Second Language Acquisition: the Power of Song.

Presenter: Ana González-Gómez

Abstract: This proposed study seeks to investigate the impact that listening to songs in Spanish may have on L1 English learners’ acquisition of the Spanish phonological system. The focus will be learners’ production of syllable mergers, a linguistic phenomenon of Spanish in which diphthongs are created across words.

Presentation 8

Acquiring Sociolinguistic Variation: Towards a Psycholinguistic Account.

Presenter: Elizabeth (Lizz) Huntley

Abstract: L2 acquisition of sociolinguistic variation has been explored in countless observational studies, yet little is known about the psycholinguistic underpinnings of acquiring variation. This project-in-progress explores acquisition of L2 variation with novice learners of mini-Arabii, a proposed miniature language reflecting phonetic, lexical, and morphosyntactic sociolinguistic variation found in Arabic.

Presentation 9

Learner Agency in German Orientation Courses: Teacher Perspectives.

Presenter: Richmond Embeywa

Abstract: This contribution analyzes qualitative interviews by German orientation course instructors to learn their perceptions of language and culture and establish teaching approaches that facilitate the development of agency among refugee-background adults and asylum seekers - an approach that create spaces of empowerment.

Presentation 10

The Use of Corpus Linguistics in Second Language Learning Environments: A Deductive Approach to Language Learning.

Presenter: Onur Ural

Abstract: One way to incorporate authentic and exemplar-based learning into lesson activities is through corpus use in language learning. In line with this idea, this study explores the effects of a deductive teaching approach with linguistic data obtained from a conversational corpus of Turkish.

Presentation 11

Language, Motherhood, and Migration: A Chinese American Mother.

Presenter: Shi Li

Abstract: The study tells the story of L, a Chinese woman who became a U.S. citizen in her thirties. L is the mother of two boys. In this study, through analyzing interview data with L, I seek to explore how L’s identity construction plays a role in negotiating the home language with her children.