Abstract
Disfluencies, such as pauses, filled pauses, and lengthenings, are common in everyday
communication of native (L1) speakers.
Research tracking the causes of such L1 disfluencies has mainly focused on intra-individual
differences and found that complexity in message, formulation, and articulation will lead to
disfluencies. Research tracking the causes of disfluencies in second language (L2) speech, on the
other hand, has predominantly focused on inter-individual causes, seeking to answer the question
to what extent disfluencies are telling of overall L2 proficiency.
In this presentation, I will propose that in order to fully understand when, how, and why L2
speakers may be disfluent, research should track both inter- and intra-individual differences in L2
speech. I will present research findings from both approaches. Finally, implications for language
teaching and testing will be discussed.
communication of native (L1) speakers.
Research tracking the causes of such L1 disfluencies has mainly focused on intra-individual
differences and found that complexity in message, formulation, and articulation will lead to
disfluencies. Research tracking the causes of disfluencies in second language (L2) speech, on the
other hand, has predominantly focused on inter-individual causes, seeking to answer the question
to what extent disfluencies are telling of overall L2 proficiency.
In this presentation, I will propose that in order to fully understand when, how, and why L2
speakers may be disfluent, research should track both inter- and intra-individual differences in L2
speech. I will present research findings from both approaches. Finally, implications for language
teaching and testing will be discussed.
Publication type
Presentation
Year of publication
2017
Conference location
Amsterdam
Conference name
Dag van de Fonetiek 2017
Publisher
Nederlandse Vereniging voor Nederlandse Wetenschappen