Pre-conference workshop at ICAME 2009

In May 2009 we hosted a pre-conference workshop on “Corpora and SLA” at the 30th annual ICAME conference in Lancaster, UK (together with Fanny Meunier). Here is a brief description of the workshop and the workshop schedule with links to some of the presentation slides.

Workshop description

In this 3-hour workshop we discussed how the use of different types of corpora can contribute to addressing topical issues in Second Language Acquisition. Among other things, we focused on useful existing and still required resources (corpora and corpus tools) and on the multiplicity of variables (including learner L1 background, proficiency level, amount of exposure to the L2) that are relevant to SLA research and ought to be considered in corpus work.
The workshop consisted of presentations by the convenors, hands-on activities related to the issues covered, and an open discussion.

Workshop schedule

1. Introduction (Ute Römer)

2. Central issues in corpora and SLA (Nick C. Ellis)

3. Focus on learner corpora and variables in SLA (Fanny Meunier)

4. Proficiency development and the phraseology of learner language (Matthew Brook O’Donnell & Ute Römer)

5. Open discussion