Investigating Second Language Communication Strategies

Second language communication strategies (L2 CS) have been studied with two contrasting approaches sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic perspectives. Distinction on the adopted framework has also led to differences in research methodologies and analysis of data. Regardless of the differences, the two groups seem to agree that consciousness, problematicity and oral discourse are three key elements of L2 CS. Both frameworks are also of the same understanding that tasks influence the choices of the strategies. The use of cultural notions in the study of L2 CS is not only something of interest for the researcher but also still lack of investigation in the field. In light of this, the study is aimed to investigate the kinds of strategies that Indonesian EFL speakers will utilise when dealing with specific cultural topics to a native speaker of English who is of different linguistic background and has no cultural knowledge on the target items. The findings of such study are expected to give references on the learners communication competence and should particularly be useful for teachers, researchers, school administrators and anyone interested to learn a second language.

Autorentext

Imelda Sari studied English Literature at University of Indonesia and Applied Linguistics (TEFL) at University of Bedfordshire, in which she was awarded a scholarship from the Ministry of National Education of Indonesia. She is currently a language centre advisor and a teacher in EAP at University of Bedfordshire and Perbanas Institute, Indonesia.