Silence in the Second Language Classroom

"Why are second language learners in Japan's universities so silent? Using an innovative mixed-methods research approach, Jim King investigates the perplexing but intriguing phenomenon of classroom silence. With its exciting new conceptual framework of Dynamic Systems Theory, Silence in the Second Language Classroom offers a unique insight into the true complexity behind why some learners are either unable or unwilling to speak in a foreign language. This highly interdisciplinary book draws on ideas fromfields such as psychology, sociolinguistics and anthropology, and delves deeply into themes relating to Japanese society and the country's education system. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this timely volume will be of interest to researchers, students of educational and applied linguistics, language education policy makers and, indeed, anyone who has ever taught"--

List of contents

Foreword by Zoltán Dörnyei 1. Introduction 2. Major Theoretical Frameworks of Silence 3. An Interdisciplinary Overview of Silence in Japan 4. A Critical Analysis of Japan's Language Education System 5. A Structured Observation Study into L2 Classroom Silence 6. An Interview Study Into Learners' Perspectives on L2 Classroom Silence 7. A Naturalistic Stimulated Recall Study of Specific Silence Events 8. Summary and Conclusions Appendices

Product details

• Authors: J King, J. King, Jim King
• Publisher: Palgrave UK
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.10.2013
• EAN: 9781137301475
• ISBN: 978-1-137-30147-5
• No. of pages: 223
• Subjects: Education and learning > Adult education/adult education classes > Adult education class / course materials (language); Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; B, Teaching, English, English Language, teacher training, Applied Linguistics, Language: reference & general, Language Education, Language teaching and learning, Teaching and Teacher Education, Language and education, Language teaching & learning, Language and languages—Study and teaching, Language Teaching, Germanic Languages, Palgrave Language & Linguistics Collection