©EIJEAS 2016 Volume: 2 Issue: Special Issue, 131-148, Ohio, USA
Electronic International Journal of Education, Arts, and Science
http://www.eijeas.com
Discourse Strategies in Computer-Mediated Communication Between Native and
Nonnative English Speakers
Angelica Ribeiro
Texas A&M University, ribeiro475@hotmail.com
Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated the occurrence of discourse strategies during native
speakers (NSs) and nonnative speakers (NNSs) synchronous computer-mediate
communication (SCMC) to determine how NSs may contribute to NNSs’ subsequent second
language (L2) learning. The data collection consisted of SCMC task-based interaction logs
from six pairs (NS-NNS), reflection questionnaires, and interviews. This study identified nine
different discourse strategies, including strategies that have not been given much attention by
the literature on L2 interactions. Findings indicated that the NSs potentially contributed to the
NNSs’ L2 development. However, the NSs could have contributed much more if they had
taken advantage of the opportunities they had to promote negotiate episodes, expose the
NNSs to new input, and encourage them to modify their output. Findings of this study could
lead to better language learning task design for SCMC context so that L2 learning
opportunities are fully explored. As a result, NNSs will potentially improve their L2 and feel
more confident using their language skills meaningfully and authentically in their real-world
situations.
Key words: Computer-mediate Communication, Discourse Strategies, Second Language
Learning