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Variation in Native Speaker Speech Modification to Non-Native Speakers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 November 2008

Susan M. Gass  and
Evangeline Marlos Varonis
Susan M. Gass
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
Evangeline Marlos Varonis
Affiliation:
University of Michigan
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Abstract

This study builds upon prior research dealing with the nature of discourse involving non-native speakers. In particular, we examine variables influencing native speaker foreigner talk and the form that speech modification takes. The data bases are (1) 80 taped telephone interviews between NNSs at two distinct proficiency levels, (interviewer) and NSs (interviewee), and (2) 20 NS-NS interviews. We consider five variables: 1) negotiation of meaning, 2) quantity of speech, 3) amount of repair (following a specific NNS request for repair), 4) elaborated responses, and 5) transparent responses. We find that the speech of NSs changes as a function of an NNS's ability to understand and be understood. We further suggest a general cognitive principle—transparency—underlying aspects of both foreigner talk and second language acquisition.

Type
Articles
Information
Studies in Second Language Acquisition , Volume 7 , Issue 1 , February 1985 , pp. 37 - 57
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1985

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