ACLC Seminar | Dr Nivja de Jong
Dr Nivja de Jong, Senior University Lecturer at the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics and the ICLON Graduate School of Teaching, is the guest speaker at the ACLC seminar on Friday the 6 September 2019 from 16:15 until 17:30 (followed by drinks).
Title
Speaking Fluency Viewed From Different Research Perspectives
Abstract
This presentation broadens the view on speaking fluency in applied linguistics and critically evaluates its current conceptualization, namely that it is a concept that should be sought in the ear of the beholder. Most of the research on fluency that is usually cited and used as empirical basis for this current conceptualization comes from the field of applied linguistics only. This presentation seeks evidence from additional research disciplines: not only from applied linguistics, but also psycholinguistics, discourse analysis, and sociolinguistics. To summarize the insights from these research fields, it can be concluded that (1) fluency behavior is in part dependent on personal speaking style, (2) disfluencies are not only signals of trouble in formulating but are also helpful signals for the listener, and (3) disfluencies are part of communicative effective speech. I will discuss the implications of the insights from different disciplines for applied linguistics in general, and for language testing practices in specific.
Location
6 September 2019, 16.15 – 17.30
PC Hoofthuis, Room 5.60
Spuistraat 134
1012 VB Amsterdam