Foreign Language Annals最新文献

Rapid improvements in the capabilities of machine translation (MT) raise questions about possible increases in overreliance on MT among lower-proficiency or novice level language learners. This study investigated how such learners described their use of online MT for independent reading and writing tasks, and whether this included descriptions of second language (L2) avoidance behavior. We also explored learners' reasons for using MT and the perceived effects on their language learning. Findings from in-depth interviews with eight second-year tertiary language learners suggest that using MT could exceed desirable use among such learners in relation to the language learning objectives, resulting in language avoidance. Although MT helped them in completing language tasks, its effects were perceived to be detrimental toward their abilities to express themselves in the L2. As such, the use of MT may lead to purely superficial language learning in formal language programs. These findings suggest language educators need to consider instructional scaffolding in language programs for such learners and guidelines to assist their autonomous use of the tool.

This comparative case study explored the discourses in Ohio's Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) policy and promotional materials, and the perceptions of stakeholders regarding its value and benefits in an urban, suburban, and rural district. In doing so, this study aimed to analyze the discourses adopted in the SoBL policy and promotional texts at the state level, and the perceptions of the stakeholders regarding its value and benefits. The findings revealed the dominance of globalized human capital (GHC) discourses in not only policy and promotional texts, but also in interviews. By adopting GHC discourses, both the promotional materials and the stakeholder interviews emphasized the marketability benefits of the SoBL, with little emphasis on linguistically minoritized students' home/heritage language maintenance as set forth in the original SoBL policy in California. The findings have implications for policy arbiters to ensure equitable and accessible policy implementation.

This exploratory study examines the relationship between executive functioning (EF) skills and the development of first (L1) and second language (L2) skills of preschool students. The participants of this study are enrolled in a French immersion program offered at an inclusion school combining students with disabilities (special needs) and those without (typically developing). All students were assessed for L1, L2, and EF skills. The findings of this study indicate L1 and L2 development in both receptive and expressive skills. Furthermore, EF skills served as a predictor of L2 expressive and receptive language skills. The findings of this study align with prior research showing a relationship between language skills and EF while also providing support for the inclusion of special needs students in immersion programs. Implications of findings suggest additional research is needed on the role of EF skills in L2 development and revisiting requirements for entry into language programs.

As state-level Seals of Biliteracy for high school graduates become more common, postsecondary language programs face questions about how to recognize this credential. While scholarship has examined the implementation of state Seals in secondary education, less attention has been paid to the role of postsecondary language programs in this new policy milieu. This study examined how receiving a Seal of Biliteracy might motivate students to study language(s) in college and the impact of awarding advanced placement and retroactive credit for the Seal. A survey of Seal of Biliteracy recipients (n = 61) in Nebraska and interviews with undergraduate students who received the award (n = 8) suggest that postsecondary language departments could leverage the Seal of Biliteracy to recruit students to language programs and likewise lend support to state implementation efforts. Findings point to the critical role academic credit policies play in making language study more attractive to Seal of Biliteracy recipients.

This article is the first large-scale study to document the speaking proficiency outcomes of intensive programs in less commonly taught languages in US higher education. Speaking proficiency was measured by pre- and postprogram ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interviews (N = 484) in 14 languages: Arabic, Bengali, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Indonesian, Kazakh, Persian, Tamil, Thai, Tibetan, Turkish, Urdu, Uyghur, and Uzbek. The intensive programs are usually taught face-to-face but were offered fully online during the COVID-19 pandemic. No significant difference in speaking proficiency outcomes, as measured by the ACTFL OPI, was found between the face-to-face and online formats. Students at all levels of instruction made significant gains in speaking proficiency, with greater gains made by students in Level 1 than at Levels 2-3, and with wide variation within instructional levels. The average speaking proficiency outcomes were Advanced Low (Level 3), Intermediate High (Level 2), and between Intermediate Low and Intermediate Mid (Level 1).

The Seal of Biliteracy (SoBL) is a high school graduation credential that recognizes US students in their final year of high school who have demonstrated proficiency in English and at least one other language. SoBL implementation has been shown in many contexts to be governed by local policy arbiters, who interpret the state policy to provide access to the SoBL to students. Additionally, scholars have suggested that the discourse surrounding the SoBL has been permeated with neoliberal logic that prioritizes individual success and economic advantage. This study investigates how these themes play out in the implementation of the SoBL in 16 schools across Iowa, diverse in size, location, and student linguistic profiles. Findings indicate that the implementation of the SoBL was influenced by the local context and local policy arbiters, and how the SoBL, in turn, influenced the arbiters' perspectives and practices related to language learners and language instruction.

A creative approach to teaching can factor into a long-lasting professional career and has the potential to attract passionate newcomers to the field of education. When creativity is valued, teachers can use these abilities to meaningfully design instruction, to create a vibrant learning environment, and to support student self-confidence. For these reasons, this study used the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking as well as interview data to examine creative profiles within teacher education. Using a checklist of 13 possible creative strengths, world language (n = 32) criterion-referenced scores indicated distinct creative abilities among participants. Findings resulted in six domain-specific creative abilities: depicting movement or action, extending or breaking boundaries, storytelling articulation, emotional expressiveness, humor, and expressiveness of titles, as prominent strengths of preservice language educators. In this study, creativity is explored as a transformative factor with potential for teacher retention and recruitment.