Learner Language: Tools for Teachers

What is Learner Language?

Published research on second language acquisition shows that learners' language is produced by a built-in syllabus, which differs from the syllabus the teacher uses.

Communication Tasks

How can we design activities and tasks that invite learners to use their second language in meaningful, unrehearsed communication?

Looking at Learner Language

Each unit shows you how to analyze learner language from a different perspective, and consider ways you can support its development:

• Individual difference
• Error analysis
• Interlanguage
• Learning in interaction
• Reference
• Complexity

Multimedia Activities on Learner Language for Teachers

This site showcases video recordings of learners using Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Persian in unrehearsed interaction. Eight videos for each language show two language learners perform 6 communication tasks, plus individual interviews. Multimedia activities guide language teachers to study and reflect on learner language from five perspectives.

• Chinese
• Japanese
• Korean
• Persian

http://www.carla.umn.edu/learnerlanguage/index.html