Increasing Perceived Proficiency Through the Introduction of Successful Non-Native Speakers of English
Tomoyuki Kawashima (Gunma University, Japan)
Abstract
EFL learners tend to underestimate their English skills (e.g., Benesse-Corporation, 2005). Munezane’s (2015) finding that visualization and goal-setting can improve willingness to communicate suggests that helping learners visualize themselves as English users will reduce self-deprecation and increase confidence as English users. To investigate this possibility, I developed online materials that present non-native speakers (NNSs) as successful English users. The website allows learners to (a) answer multiple-choice listening questions by choosing original recordings made by native speakers of English from North America or reproduced recordings made by NNSs from 30 countries and (b) test their knowledge about global Englishes. In this presentation, I will review the reactions of 98 Japanese university students who used the website for a 4-week-long listening practice. Based on thematically analyzed participant comments, the impact of using NNSs as models on learners’ perceptions of English and their proficiency will be discussed.
Research Paper (In person; 25 minutes)
Language Policy / World Englishes / English as a Lingua Franca
Primarily of Interest to Teachers of University Students
About the Presenter
Tomoyuki Kawashima is an associate professor at Gunma University, Japan. He received his Ph.D. from Macquarie University, Australia. Prior to his present job, he taught English to high school students for 25 years. His research interests include pedagogical applications of global Englishes in English language teaching, affective factors in speaking English, and the development of speaking and writing skills.
