Measuring Attention to Linguistic Form in a Second Language During Speech Production: A Review and Proposal for Empirical Study

Abstract

This paper examines the methods used to measure the attention paid to linguistic form while speaking in a second language (L2). Although researchers have investigated the effects of attention on second language acquisition (SLA), the validity of the methods used in each study has been a major problem for some time. In particular we note that while there are reliable ways of, for example, carrying out performance analyses for the use of written and spoken language (e.g. T-unit, and AS- unit) there are no comprehensive, accessible and detailed guides on how to identify attention orientation in protocol data. This study reviews the methods used in previous studies. It then looks in detail at a method which employs stimulated recall prompted by disfluency-markers. The study examines the theoretical rationale behind this method and suggests that it is perhaps a good way forward for measuring attention in L2 speech production. The study also provides a sample analysis using this method to examine the validity of the procedure and to develop a coding scheme.