KOTESOL International Conference 2016
(Concurrent Session)
John Campbell-Larsen, Kyoto Wonen's University
Discourse Markers, Backchanneling and Interactional Questions: Making Conversation More Authentic
Abstract
This workshop will investigate three features of conversational language: 1) discourse markers such as well', 'you know' and 'I mean', 2) backchannel language such as 'uh huh', 'right', and 3) interactional question strategies. The presenter will give a brief outline of the importance of these points for helping students to engage in naturalistic conversation. The presenter will provide classroom materials and show how students can be introduced to a basic template for discourse-marked utterances, create interactional questions from written cues and engage in naturalistic backchannels. The attendees will act the part of learners in completing these exercises to gain an understanding of the ways in which conversational language can be promoted. The session will conclude with a group discussion and reflection on issues raised.
Biographicals
John Campbell-Larsen is associate professor in the department of English studies, Kyoto Women's University, Japan. He has been teaching English in Japan for more than 20 years and his research interests include conversation analysis, cross cultural communication and the pedagogy of spoken English.
Return to the list of Concurrent Sessions at the KOTESOL 2016 International Conference
