Turn-taking practices in multi-party EFL oral proficiency tests. Issue 3 (13th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Greer, Tim; Potter, Hitomi
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied linguistics and professional practice. Volume 5:Issue 3(2008)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 320
• Publication Date: 2015-09-13
• Subjects: turn-taking -- conversation analysis -- multi-party talk -- peer-to-peer oral proficiency tests -- novice l2 talk -- embodied action; Applied linguistics -- Periodicals; 418.005
• DOI: 10.1558/japl.v5i3.297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3658

Abstract

Abstract : This study focuses on multi-party talk among EFL learners during peer-to-peer interaction in oral proficiency tests. We conduct a micro-analysis of the way test-takers in small groups use questions like 'How about you?' to manage turn-taking when speaking in rounds or through a pivot. We find that these deceptively simple questions have both an indexical referential element and an addressee-determining element that is used in conjunction with bodily conduct to select next-speaker, making them in fact a sophisticated interactional achievement. The study concludes by discussing how turn-taking practices in multi-party speaking tests can help make visible novice language users' orientations to learning.