This study introduces and evaluates a computerized approach to measuring Japanese L2 oral proficiency. We present a testing and scoring method that uses a type of structured speech called elicited imitation (EI) to evaluate accuracy of speech productions. Several types of language resources and toolkits are required to develop, administer, and score responses to this test. First, we present a c...

The field of language testing has long led the way in integrative, performance-based assessment. However, the use of technology in language testing has often meant limiting assessment options. We believe computermediated language assessment can enrich opportunities for language learners to demonstrate what they are able to do with their second language. In this paper, we describe the rationale ...

Pragmatic formulas have been recognized as linguistic building blocks necessary for successful speech act performance. Current approaches to teaching overlook pragmatic formulas, promoting an incomplete view of pragmatics instruction. This paper reports on the results a classroom-based study in which formula-enhanced treatment focusing both pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic components ability...

This paper investigates the use of promptbased content features for the automated assessment of spontaneous speech in a spoken language proficiency assessment. The results show that single highest performing promptbased content feature measures the number of unique lexical types that overlap with the listening materials and are not contained in either the reading materials or a sample response,...

The recently published Survey of the State of the Art in Human Language Technology does not spend a single word on computer-aided language learning (CALL). Indeed, present-day CALL systems hardly employ Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. Reasons for this state of affairs are not hard to find. First of all, current language teaching methods tend to emphasize oral language skills, espe...

Research in English language teaching has highlighted the importance of communication skills classroom. Against backdrop extensive research everyday communication, goal this was to explore whether current discourse analytic is reflected lessons and examples five textbooks, by using spoken requests as subject investigation. The textbooks were evaluated on criteria deriving from politeness, speec...

This study examined the effect of language proficiency on repeated mention reduction in L2 English spontaneous speech by Korean native speakers. We found a significant effect of L2 proficiency on word duration in repeated mentions. Specifically, as with native English speakers (EN), Korean learners of English with high English proficiency (KH) reduced the duration of repeated words, while those...

The of aim of the present study was the estimation of the influence of proficiency level of the second language on activation patterns of language areas. 30 volunteers participated in the experiment (15 females and 15 males) from 18 to 40 years of age. Mean age was 28 years. All participants were divided by linguist into two groups according to their proficiency level of the foreign language: h...