A PhD research

project
in second
language
education
Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University
Lisette Lisette Toetenel Toetenel
The use of the informal register in
social networking sites within the
second language classroom
Informal register
Informal register is the language that is used
in every day conversation
(Hiya, howre ye doin?)
Informal register is difficult to define it
is more flexible than formal language
Features of informal language include
contractions, that deletion and ellipsis.
Key to interaction with native speakers in
a social context
Research - Informal register
Most register studies focus on the contrast
between two registers (Biber, 1995)
Informal register is rarely taught in second
language classroom
Assumption is that the informal register is learnt
outside the classroom (Biber and Finegan, 1994)
The use of the formal register when the informal
needs to be used can feel awkward for native speakers
Social networking sites
Limited research has focussed on the use of
social networking sites
Research (Jackson, 2011) suggest that
synchronous online discussion enhances
second language learning
Unique mode of communication-form is
written but spoken language is used (Lee,
2001)
Ideal for practising the use of the
informal register
Research project
Between January March 2013 (see next
slide for overview)
Ten week period one hour per week to be
spent on the project
Students will use Ning to receive
instruction and practise the target language
Support from the researcher is provided by
Skype or email
alternative to Facebook it is a more secure and closed access site
Draft version subject to change.
Why should I take part?
Support academic research
Easy integration of ICT in your curriculum
Innovative approach to language teaching
High quality materials and resources for
ten one-hour sessions are provided
Great! How do I sign up?
Contact Lisette to receive the institute
participation letter.
Print the letter and ask your principal to
sign
Scan the letter and email this to Lisette
(Lisette.tutor@gmail.com)
References
Biber, D., 1995. Dimensions of register variation.
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Biber, D., Finegan, E., 1994. Sociolinguistic perspectives
on register. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Jackson, D.O., 2011. Convergent and Divergent Computer-
Mediated Communication Tasks in an English for Academic
Purposes Course. TESL-EJ 15, 1-18.
Ning available at www.ning.com. Accessed on 04/06/12.
Lee, L., 2001. Online interaction: negotiation of meaning
and strategies used among learners of Spanish. ReCALL 13,
232-244.