2002 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Development of an English-Learning System Based on Written and Spoken Language Processing Models
| Project/Area Number |
12680247
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
教科教育
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| Research Institution | University of Tsukuba |
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Principal Investigator |
HIRAI Akiyo University of Tsukuba, University of Tsukuba, Institute of Modern Languages and Cultures, Associate Professor (00312786)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
USHIRO Yuji 筑波大学, Institute of Modem Languages and Cultures, Associate Professor (60271722)
SAKUMA Yasuyuki Fukushima University, Faculty of Education, Associate Professor (90282293)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2000 – 2002
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| Keywords | language professing models / word recognition / phonological processing / working memory / reading process / listening process / English learning / listening instruction |
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| Research Abstract |
Based on processing models of written and spoken language and experimental studies, the following points were clarified:
1. Many Japanese, particularly less proficient EFL learners, cannot understand as many words aurally as they can visually. This suggests that the skills underlying reading comprehension are harder to apply to listening comprehension than vice versa. In reading, phonological processing utilized with visual information is a secondary source of information. However, learners experience difficulties in aurally decoding words, if they have acquired inaccurate phonological representations that differ from those employed by native speakers. In this regard, knowledge of letter-sound correspondences is important.
2. The most important component of listening comprehension is word recognition followed by phrase comprehension. Thus, in addition to knowledge of letter-sound correspondences, vocabulary and collocation knowledge is crucial to enhancing listening comprehension perform
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ance.
3. Spoken information held directly in a phonological short-term memory is used for lexical access by working memory. This phonological processing is not a simple mechanism involving a "processing-storage trade-off," but is more complex, utilizing "imaging" and "rehearsal" strategies to enhance higher-level processing, despite interference from prior language information.
4. Written presentation of a passage followed by listening instruction is effective for comprehension of the passage, as most Japanese EFL learners are weaker at aural recognition than orthographic recognition and have poorer memory capacities for L2. Relatively advanced learners can benefit from the simultaneous aural-visual preserltation of a passage, while self-paced reading is more useful for lower proficiency lea.ners.
5. Less proficient EFL learners are better at utilizing pauses placed between phrases in reading than in listening. In listening, repetition is an effective way to increase comprehension, and learners in general can significantly enhance their comprehension of a passage by listening to it at least three times. Less
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