Mediation in informal language learning activities outside of the classroom

Inaba, Miho 2023. Mediation in informal language learning activities outside of the classroom. Toffoli, Denyze, Sockett, Geoffrey and Kusyk, Meryl, eds. Language Learning and Leisure: Informal Language Learning in the Digital Age, De Gruyter, pp. 185-206. (10.1515/9783110752441-009)

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Abstract

This chapter aims to examine the manner in which language learners undertake their informal language learning in out-of-class contexts. The cases of five Japanese language learners in a beginner course at a Swedish university were chosen because they provided us with insightful examples of learners of a non-English language with limited proficiency in that language. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews on the participants’ background and their language learning diaries. Utilising Activity Theory, which is one of the strands of Vygotskyan sociocultural theory, the analysis found that students strategically engaged in informal language learning activities involving Japanese pop culture (e.g., watching anime) using subtitles and the features of multimodal media. It was also revealed that students still paid attention to the language while engaging in these activities, and linguistic knowledge acquired in Japanese classes was utilised to enhance their enjoyment of pop culture material. Based on these findings, this chapter also discusses the pedagogical implications of encouraging beginner level students to undertake informal language learning activities.

Item Type:	Book Section
Status:	Published
Schools:	Modern Languages
Publisher:	De Gruyter
ISBN:	9783110752342
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2023 10:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/160753

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