A1 Journal article (refereed)
Mobilizing ‘context’ : Vocabulary checks in ESL tutoring sessions (2022)

Duran, D., & Jakonen, T. (2022). Mobilizing ‘context’ : Vocabulary checks in ESL tutoring sessions. System, 107, Article 102816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102816

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Duran, Derya; Jakonen, Teppo

Journal or series: System

ISSN: 0346-251X

eISSN: 1879-3282

Publication year: 2022

Volume: 107

Article number: 102816

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: Netherlands

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102816

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/81131

Abstract

This study investigates the practice of unplanned and emergent vocabulary checks, i.e. turns through which a speaker explicitly checks whether the recipient knows a word, in small-group tutorial instruction. The data are video-recorded English as a second language (ESL) tutoring sessions between a native English speaker tutor and ESL students at an urban community college in the United States. By drawing on conversation analysis, we analyze how vocabulary checks emerge sequentially and with the help of contextual interactional resources. Findings suggest that vocabulary checks constitute a practice for managing both shared understanding and pedagogical concerns. By singling out a vocabulary item as possibly unknown to the student, the tutor can attend to weak signals for a student's non-understanding and orient to having epistemic primacy over the English language, thereby “talking into being” the role of a language expert. The checks pave way for vocabulary teaching moments by making word definitions and explanations interactionally relevant, which provides opportunities for language learning. The study highlights the intricate relationship between context, intersubjectivity and pedagogy in small-group tutoring contexts, an awareness of which can help practitioners reflect on the role of contextual resources in their teaching.

Keywords: conversation analysis; second language; vocabulary (knowledge); small groups; tutoring; language learning

Free keywords: epistemics; ESL tutoring; L2 learners; vocabulary checks

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 2