Insights From Complete Learner Networks for Study-Abroad Second Language Acquisition Research

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Eleven
  In Roundtable Session: International Experiences and Language Teaching and Learning (Table 8)

Abstract

Using computational social network analysis, we investigate the influence of peer interaction dynamics and social graph topology on measurable outcomes in two intensive language courses: a 5-week course of German in Baden-Württemberg (n=40), and a 4-week course of Polish in Warsaw (n=181). Unlike earlier studies focusing on the micro-level of individual participants’ egocentric networks, thus presenting an emic view only, we show how and why peer learner networks can be examined in their entirety, complementing an etic perspective.
Computational SNA provides new insights into the link between social relations and language acquisition, demonstrating how social network configuration and peer interaction dynamics are stronger predictors of L2 performance than individual factors, and offers a novel methodology for investigating the phenomena.

Authors

• Michał B. Paradowski, University of Warsaw
  Presenting Author

• Agnieszka Cierpich-Kozieł, Jesuit University Ignatianum in Kraków
  Non-Presenting Author

• Andrzej Jarynowski, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Wrocław
  Non-Presenting Author

• Karolina B. Czopek, University of Warsaw
  Non-Presenting Author

• Magdalena Jelińska, University of Warsaw
  Non-Presenting Author

• Chih-Chun Chen
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jeremi K. Ochab, Jagiellonian University
  Non-Presenting Author