The impact of linguistic background on the nature of classroom dyadic interactions: evidence from L2 and L3 learners of English as a foreign language

ABSTRACT Framed within the perspective of Vygotskyan sociocultural theory and models of third language learning, this study examined the impact of differing linguistic backgrounds and learning experience on the nature of dyadic interaction during task completion in the divide between true L2 and L3 learners. It was conducted in an EFL classroom with eight leaners of English as first and eight learners of English as second foreign language after French. Their measured English proficiency corresponded to A2 level. They were presented with two similar grammar-based tasks on sessions 11 and 12 with different pairing configurations and an isomorphic version of both tasks on session 13 to be completed individually. Data from pair talks and individual performances were analyzed in three stages to: a) find the major factors distinguishing the quality of interactions, b) compare the quality of L2ers and L3ers’ interactions when they were matched or mixed, and c) examine the learning benefits of the interactions across L2ers and L3ers in terms of transferring knowledge from interactions to their subsequent individual productions. The findings indicated a role for linguistic background in mediating the nature of pair interactions and shaping dyadic relationships by impacting L2ers and L3ers’ perception of each other’s proficiency.