Cover not available

In:Approaches and Methods in French Second Language Acquisition Research:
Edited by Martin Howard
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 9] 2025
► pp. 234–260

Get fulltext from our e-platform
JBE logo with link
PDF logo with download linkDownload Book PDF
EPUB logo with download linkDownload Book EPUB
authorization required

Chapter 10
CA-SLA

Investigating L2 interactional competence and L2 grammar-for-interaction — principles and methods

 | University of Neuchâtel
Published online: 3 March 2025
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.9.10pek
Abstract
Second language interactional competence has for long remained out of the focal concerns of research on second language acquisition (SLA). Over the past two decades, however, the field has seen emerge a prominent line of conversation-analytic (CA) SLA research investigating the procedures and resources L2 speakers use to accomplish actions in interaction and coordinate these with others, and how these procedures change over time and proficiency levels. This chapter discusses the key role played by research on French in these developments in terms of the advancement of methods for longitudinal investigations of L2 interactions, the conceptualization of L2 interactional competence and — relatedly — L2 grammar-for-interaction, and the identification of the basic developmental trajectory of such competence. It presents the cumulative evidence stemming from developmental studies of L2 interactional competence and identifies existing French L2 corpora suitable for such studies. The chapter closes with a discussion of the methodological limits of current research as well as avenues for future investigations.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Epistemological background
  • Basic methods in CA
    • Key methodological principles
    • Example 1: Why study SLA based on finely transcribed naturally occurring data?
  • Specific methodological procedures for longitudinal studies of L2 social interaction
    • Challenges
    • a.Warranting comparability — corpora suitable for longitudinal CA-type analysis
    • b.Establishing collections longitudinally — the need for substantial interactional data
    • c.Evidencing the systematic character of longitudinal change — the need for quantification?
    • d.Analyzing L2 development from a participant-relevant (emic) perspective
    • Example 2: On the routinization of a multi-word expression into a discourse marker
      • Warranting comparability
      • Establishing collections longitudinally
      • Evidencing the systematic character of longitudinal change
    • Example 3: Documenting the development of L2 interactional competence from an emic perspective — the case of story-openings
  • A note on French L2 corpora suitable for longitudinal interaction analysis
  • Discussion: Contribution, limitations, and avenues for future research
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
References (54)
References
Atkinson, D. (2011). Alternative approaches to second language acquisition. Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Brouwer, C. E., & Wagner, J. (2004). Developmental issues in second language conversation. Journal of Applied Linguistics, 1(1), 29–47. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
De Pietro, F., Matthey, M., & Py, B. (1989). Acquisition et contrat didactique: les séquences potentiellement acquisitionnelles dans la conversation exolingue. Actes du troisième colloque régional de linguistique, Strasbourg, 28–29 avril 1988 (pp. 99–124). Université des Sciences humaines/Université Louis Pasteur.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Deppermann, A., & Pekarek Doehler, S. (2021). Longitudinal conversation analysis — Introduction to the special issue. Research on Language and Social Interaction, 54, 127–141. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Douglas Fir Group. (2016). A transdisciplinary framework for SLA in a multilingual world. Modern Language Journal, 100(Suppl.), 19–47. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ellis, N. C., & Ferreira-Junior, F. (2009). Construction learning as a function of frequency, frequency distribution, and function. Modern Language Journal, 98, 370–385. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Eskildsen, S. W. (2011). The L2 inventory in action: Conversation analysis and usage-based linguistics in SLA. In G. Pallotti & J. Wagner (Eds.), L2 learning as social practice: Conversation-analytic perspectives (pp. 337–373). University of Hawai‘i.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Eskildsen, S. W., & Kasper, G. (2019). Interactional usage-based L2 pragmatics: From form-meaning pairings to construction-action relations. In N. Taguchi (Ed.), The Routledge handbook of second language acquisition and pragmatics (pp.176–191). Routledge.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Eskildsen, S., & Pekarek Doehler, S. (2022). Emergent L2 grammars in and for social interaction. Special Issue, Modern Language Journal, 106(S1), 1–151.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Eskildsen, S., & Wagner, J. (2015). Embodied L2 construction learning. Language Learning, 65(2), 419–448.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Firth, A., & Wagner, J. (1997). On discourse, communication, and (some) fundamental concepts in SLA research. Modern Language Journal, 81, 285–300.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Firth, A., & Wagner, J. (2007). Second/foreign language learning as a social accomplishment: Elaborations on a reconceptualized SLA. The Modern Language Journal, 91(1), 800–819. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Garfinkel, H. (1967). Studies in ethnomethodology. Polity Press. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Giacalone Ramat, A. (1992). Grammaticalization processes in the area of temporal and modal relations. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 14, 297–322. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Goodwin, C., & Goodwin, M. H. (1986). Gesture and coparticipation in the activity of searching for a word. Semiotica, 62, 51–75. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hall, J. K. (1999). A prosaics of interaction: The development of interactional competence in another language. In E. Hinkel (Ed.), Culture in second language teaching and learning (pp.137–151). Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hall, J. K., Hellermann, J., & Pekarek Doehler, S. (Eds.) (2011). L2 interactional competence and development. Multilingual Matters. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
He, A. W., & Young, R. (1998). Language proficiency interviews: A discourse approach. In R. Young & A. W. He (Eds.), Talking and testing: Discourse approaches to the assessment of oral proficiency (pp.1–24) John Benjamins. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hellermann, J. (2008). Social actions for classroom language learning. Multilingual Matters. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hellermann, S., Eskildsen, W., Pekarek Doehler, S., & Piirainen-Marsh, A. (Eds.). (2019). Conversation analytic research on learning-in-action: The complex ecology of second language interaction ‘in the wild’. Springer. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kasper, G. (2009). Locating cognition in second language acquisition and learning: inside the skull or in public view? International Review of Applied Linguistics in Language Teaching, 47(1) 11–36.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Klein, W., & Perdue, C. (1997). The basic variety (or: couldn’t natural languages be much simpler?). Second Language Research, 13(4), 301–347. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
König, C. (2020). A conversation analysis approach to French L2 learning: Introducing and closing topics in everyday interactions. Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Konzett-Firth, C. (2020). Co-adaptation processes in plenary teacher-student talk and the development of L2 interactional competence. Classroom Discourse, 11(3), 209–228. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2023). On the development of interactional competence in L2 French: Changes over time in responsive turn beginnings in peer interactions. Linguistics and Education, 75. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kramsch, C. (1986). From language proficiency to interactional competence. Modern Language Journal, 70, 366–372. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kunitz, S., Markee, N., & Sert, O. (Eds.). (2021). Classroom-based conversation analytic research: Theoretical and applied perspectives on pedagogy. Springer. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Larsen-Freeman, D. (2022). Combinations and connections: Reaching across disciplinary boundaries. Modern Language Journal, 106(S1), 132–140. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Malabarba, T., & Betz, E. (2023). Describing and assessing interactional competence in a second language. Special Issue, Applied Pragmatics, 5(2).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Nguyen, H. (2011). Achieving recipient design longitudinally: Evidence from a pharmacy intern in patient consultations. In J. K. Hall, J. Hellermann, & S. Pekarek Doehler (Eds.), L2 interactional competence and development (pp. 173–205). Multilingual Matters. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ochs, E., Schegloff, E. A., & Thompson, S. A. (Eds.) (1996). Interaction and grammar. Cambridge University Press. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pekarek Doehler, S. (2010). Conceptual changes and methodological challenges: On language, learning and documenting learning in conversation analytic SLA research. In P. Seedhouse, S. Walsh, & C. Jenks (Eds.), Conceptualizing ‘learning’ in applied linguistics (pp. 105–127). Palgrave Macmillan. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2018). Elaborations on L2 interactional competence: The development of L2 grammar-for-interaction. Classroom Discourse, 9(1), 3–24. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2024). The routinization of grammar-for-interaction: Evidence from second language talk. In M. Selting & D. Bart-Weingarten (Eds.), New perspectives in interactional linguistics research (pp.334–359). John Benjamins. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pekarek Doehler, S., & Berger, E. (2018). L2 interactional competence as increased ability for context-sensitive conduct: A longitudinal study of story-openings. Applied Linguistics, 39(4), 555–578. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pekarek Doehler, S., & Eskildsen, S. (2022). Emergent L2 grammars in and for social interaction. Introduction to the Special Issue. Modern Language Journal, 106(S1), 3–22. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pekarek Doehler, S., & Pochon-Berger, E. (2011). Developing “methods” for interaction: disagreement sequences in French L2. In J. K. Hall, J. Hellermann, & S. Pekarek Doehler, (Eds.), L2 interactional competence and development (pp. 206–243). Multilingual Matters. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pekarek Doehler, S., & Skogmyr Marian, K. (2022). Functional diversification and progressive routinization of a multi-word expression in and for social interaction: A longitudinal L2 study, The Modern Language Journal, 106(1), 23–45. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Pekarek Doehler, S., & Thörle, B. (2024). Discourse markers in second language acquisition. In M.-B. Mosegaard Hansen & J. Visconti (Eds.), Discourse markers in Romance (pp.377–411). De Gruyter.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Reder, S., Harris, K. A., & Setzler, K. (2003). A multimedia adult learner corpus. TESOL Quarterly, 37, 546–557. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Roever, C., & Kasper, G. (2018). Speaking in turns and sequences: Interactional competence as a target construct in testing speaking. Language Testing, 35, 331–355. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sacks, H. (1992). Lectures in conversation. Blackwell. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Salaberry, R., & Kunitz, S. (Eds.) (2019). Teaching and testing L2 interactional competence: bridging theory and practice. Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Schirm, S. K. (2022). L2 discourse markers and the development of interactional competence during study abroad (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). University of Waterloo.
Skogmyr Marian, K., & Balaman, U. (2018). Second language interactional competence and its development: An overview of conversation analytic research on interactional change over time. Language and Linguistics Compass, 12(8), 1–16. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Skogmyr Marian, K. (2021). Initiating a complaint: Change over time in French L2 speakers practices. Research on Language and Social Interaction, 54(2), 163–182. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2022). The development of L2 interactional competence: A multimodal study of complaining in French interactions. Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Skogmyr Marian, K., & Pekarek Doehler, S. (2022). Multimodal word-search trajectories in L2 interaction: The use of gesture and how it changes over time. Social Interaction. Video-Based Studies of Human Sociality, 5(1), 1–34. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Skogmyr Marian, K., Juillet, M., Forsberg Lundell, F., & Pekarek Doehler, S. (2023). Combining longitudinal CA and automatic extraction methods in SLA: Opportunities and challenges. ASLA Studies in Applied Linguistics, 30, 376–402.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Steinbach-Kohler, F., & Thorne, S. L. (2011). The social life of self-directed talk: A sequential phenomenon. In J. K. Hall, J. Hellermann, & S. Pekarek Doehler (Eds.), L2 interactional competence and development (pp.66–92). Multilingual Matters. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Stivers, T., Enfield, N. J., Brown, P., Englert, C., Hayashi, M., Heinemann, T., Hoymann, G., Rossano, F., De Ruiter, J. P., Yoon, K.-E., & Levinson, S. C. (2009). Universals and cultural variation in turn-taking in conversation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106(26), 10587–10592. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Wagner, J., Pekarek Doehler, S., & González-Martínez, E. (2018). Longitudinal research on the organization of social interaction: Current developments and methodological challenges. In S. Pekarek Doehler, E. González-Martínez, & J. Wagner (Eds.), Longitudinal studies on the organization of social interaction (pp. 3–35). Palgrave Macmillan. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Mobile Menu Logo with link to supplementary files background Layer 1 prag Twitter_Logo_Blue