Sessions

Free Conversation: A Legitimate Use of Class Time?

The notion that interactional competence in the L2 emerges naturally once sufficient lexical/grammatical knowledge is in place was disputed by Widdowson (1978). This presentation suggests that the ability of learners to interact in the L2 requires both explicit teaching of interactional skills and also extensive opportunities for learners to engage in non-directed, phatic interactions. The presenter will outline the theoretical underpinnings of using free conversation in class time in relation to an interactional syllabus.

Teaching Reported Speech: Are EFL Texts Adequate?

Reported speech is a key language skill but it is often dealt with in a superficial manner in EFL textbooks or skipped altogether. This presentation reports on a survey of 220 EFL speaking textbooks’ coverage of reported speech. The survey identifies and enumerates a number of shortcomings. Participants should come away with a better understanding of the importance of reported speech, the inadequacies of textbooks, and the necessity of going beyond the textbook content.