Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners' Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication

Volume: 14 Number: 2 June 1, 2013
Ghaleb Rababah
EN

Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners' Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication

Abstract

This study explores the discourse generated by English as a foreign language (EFL) learners using synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) as an approach to help English language learners to create social interaction in the classroom. It investigates the impact of synchronous CMC mode on the quantity of total words, lexical range and discourse functions of EFL learners’ writing from different genders (males vs. females). Thirty-two intermediate EFL students discussed four topics in four CMC sessions. The findings reveal that gender plays a major role in shaping the quantity of discourse (total words), lexical range (variety), and linguistic output (i.e., the quantity and type of discourse functions) the participants’ generated using synchronous CMC mode. Generally, the female participants produced more words, complex lexical range and output discourse functions than males in CMC setting. In addition, the study showed that the participants produced discourse functions shaped by the particularities of local social arrangements. Users found opportunities in the virtual world of CMC which enable them to blind their identities, so people in subordinate conditions such as females in certain conservative societies, EFL learners, and shy students may find CMC useful for fostering their communicative competence.

Keywords

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), Discourse Functions, Lexical Range, Synchronous CMC, Gender.

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APA
Rababah, G. (2013). Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 14(2), 99-117. https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK
AMA
1.Rababah G. Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication. TOJDE. 2013;14(2):99-117. https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK
Chicago
Rababah, Ghaleb. 2013. “Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication”. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 14 (2): 99-117. https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK.
EndNote
Rababah G (June 1, 2013) Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 14 2 99–117.
IEEE
[1]G. Rababah, “Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication”, TOJDE, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 99–117, June 2013, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK
ISNAD
Rababah, Ghaleb. “Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication”. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 14/2 (June 1, 2013): 99-117. https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK.
JAMA
1.Rababah G. Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication. TOJDE. 2013;14:99–117.
MLA
Rababah, Ghaleb. “Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication”. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, vol. 14, no. 2, June 2013, pp. 99-117, https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK.
Vancouver
1.Ghaleb Rababah. Discourse Functions And Vocabulary Use In English Language Learners’ Synchronous Computer-Mediated Communication. TOJDE [Internet]. 2013 Jun. 1;14(2):99-117. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA43TF82LK