An analysis of the practice of teaching conversation focused on substantial activities :

Conversations during a field trip

Abstract

I analyze a Japanese language learner's opportunities to develop conversational competences while interacting with a Japanese native speaker during a fieldtrip. The data consists of a 60-minute conversation which took place when the learner and Japanese native speaker explored the area surrounding a university campus. I demonstrate the learner's practical uses of his linguistic, socio-linguistic and social-cultural competences. Finally, I discuss the effectiveness of field trips in acquiring conversation skills: During field trips, learners have opportunities to develop practical speaking skills while engaged in substantial activities, something they cannot experience during conversation practice in the language classroom.