Discourse, Interaction and Language Learners AbstractLearner corpus studies of spoken interaction are relatively few and studies of the structures of discourse in learner language are rare. This talk explores three corpora to show, in spoken interaction with L1 speakers across a range of tasks, the dynamics of discourse construction. Considering factors including cultural background, task and proficiency, the talk characterises the repertoire of discourse functions used in these interactions and shows how they vary according to a range of variables. The talk also considers how L1 speakers interacting with one another use discourse functions allowing, for the first time, a clear view of the degree to which L2 speakers vary in their organization of discourse from L1 speakers. This talk brings to the fore an important function called upon by both L1 and L2 speakers –narrative – and explores in depth differences between L1 and L2 narrative use.BiographyTony McEnery is distinguished professor of Linguistics and English Language in the Department of English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University. He is also Adjunct Professor at Xi'an Jiaotong University and Advisory Professor at Shanghai International Studies University. He has published widely on corpus linguistics and is the author of Corpus Linguistics: Method, Theory and Practice (with Andrew Hardie, Cambridge University Press, 2011). His latest books include Fundamental Principles of Corpus Linguistics (with Vaclav Brezina, Cambridge University Press in 2022) and Learner Language Discourse and Interaction (With Isobelle Clarke and Gavin Brookes, 2025). He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Global China Academy and the Royal Society of Arts in the UK. Tony McEnery on ORCIDLanguage(s), Interculturality and Literacies hub pageIf you have any questions about this event, please email MHSES-RKEI-Events@ed.ac.uk. Tags Language, Interculturality and Literacies Education events Research centres, groups and networks Research events Conferences, seminars and lectures Jun 10 2025 14.00 - 15.00 Discourse, Interaction and Language Learners This public lecture, hosted by the Language(s), Interculturality and Literacies (LIL) Thematic Hub and featuring Professor Tony McEnery, is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Paterson's Land LG34 Please register for this event via Eventbrite
Discourse, Interaction and Language Learners AbstractLearner corpus studies of spoken interaction are relatively few and studies of the structures of discourse in learner language are rare. This talk explores three corpora to show, in spoken interaction with L1 speakers across a range of tasks, the dynamics of discourse construction. Considering factors including cultural background, task and proficiency, the talk characterises the repertoire of discourse functions used in these interactions and shows how they vary according to a range of variables. The talk also considers how L1 speakers interacting with one another use discourse functions allowing, for the first time, a clear view of the degree to which L2 speakers vary in their organization of discourse from L1 speakers. This talk brings to the fore an important function called upon by both L1 and L2 speakers –narrative – and explores in depth differences between L1 and L2 narrative use.BiographyTony McEnery is distinguished professor of Linguistics and English Language in the Department of English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University. He is also Adjunct Professor at Xi'an Jiaotong University and Advisory Professor at Shanghai International Studies University. He has published widely on corpus linguistics and is the author of Corpus Linguistics: Method, Theory and Practice (with Andrew Hardie, Cambridge University Press, 2011). His latest books include Fundamental Principles of Corpus Linguistics (with Vaclav Brezina, Cambridge University Press in 2022) and Learner Language Discourse and Interaction (With Isobelle Clarke and Gavin Brookes, 2025). He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Global China Academy and the Royal Society of Arts in the UK. Tony McEnery on ORCIDLanguage(s), Interculturality and Literacies hub pageIf you have any questions about this event, please email MHSES-RKEI-Events@ed.ac.uk. Tags Language, Interculturality and Literacies Education events Research centres, groups and networks Research events Conferences, seminars and lectures Jun 10 2025 14.00 - 15.00 Discourse, Interaction and Language Learners This public lecture, hosted by the Language(s), Interculturality and Literacies (LIL) Thematic Hub and featuring Professor Tony McEnery, is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Paterson's Land LG34 Please register for this event via Eventbrite
Jun 10 2025 14.00 - 15.00 Discourse, Interaction and Language Learners This public lecture, hosted by the Language(s), Interculturality and Literacies (LIL) Thematic Hub and featuring Professor Tony McEnery, is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment.
