This study introduces a model of lexical proficiency based on novel computational indices related to word context. The indices come from an updated version of the Tool for the Automatic Analysis of Lexical Sophistication (TAALES) and include associative, lexical, and semantic measures of word context. Human ratings of holistic lexical proficiency were obtained for a spoken corpus of 240 transcr...

This article contributes to the field of reading assessment in English as a second language (L2). Few reading studies have been carried out at the upper secondary school level, and the present study provides insight into upper secondary school students’ L2 reading proficiency. It examines whether such proficiency can be explained by reading proficiency in Norwegian as their first language (L1)....

Inconsistent results in the field of bilingualism and cognition may be largely influenced by variation in the nature of bilingual language proficiency. Here we explore the relationship between inhibitory control and bilingual proficiency in 43 8-year-old English-Chinese children in Singapore where bilingualism is prolific. Proficiency estimates are based on Oral and Written exam scores and care...

the process of globalization entails the acquisition of a construct, cultural intelligence, with which efl students can function appropriately in intercultural situations. this study was, first, intended to find the relationship between cultural intelligence and the use of expressions of gratitude by iranian efl learners. second, it sought to determine whether there were any significant differe...

a given aptitude, it must be given to persons known to possess that aptitude, and their standings in the test must correspond with their working proficiency. The question that always perplexes the investigator is: What shall I use an an index of their proficiency? In technical terms, what shall be the criterion? The criterion, according to Burtt, "is an index of occupational proficiency which i...

For the personalized learning, a good testing method, which can effectively estimate a learner’s proficiency, is required. In this paper, we propose a novel testing method, Bayesian network-based approach to Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT). Our novel approach can estimate proficiency of the examinee effectively and efficiently because it reflects complicated relationships between all items ...

The paper presents an analysis of speech rhythm development in second language. 51 German learners of English with varying degrees of proficiency were recorded producing 33 identical sentences of quasi-spontaneous speech. Durational characteristics of syllables, consonantal and vocalic intervals were calculated to allow for analysis of timing patterns on different proficiency levels. We found t...

In this study, the use of speech-like pragmatic markers in Iranian EFL students’ academic writing was investigated. Speech-like pragmatic markers, such as I think, well, I guess, actually, anyway, anyhow, etc. are linguistic components that are more specific to conversation than writing, and writers may wrongly include them in their academic writing. To examine the students’ use of speech-like ...

In this study, the use of speech-like pragmatic markers in Iranian EFL students’ academic writing was investigated. Speech-like pragmatic markers, such as I think, well, I guess, actually, anyway, anyhow, etc. are linguistic components that are more specific to conversation than writing, and writers may wrongly include them in their academic writing. To examine the students’ use of speech-like ...