A conversation-analytic hermeneutic rating protocol to assess L2 oral pragmatic competence

Francis Scott Walters

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Speech act theory-based, second language pragmatics testing (SLPT) poses problems for validation due to a lack of correspondence with empirical conversational data. Since conversation analysis (CA) provides a richer and more accurate account of language behavior, it may be preferred as a basis for SLPT development. However, applying CA methodology in turn poses epistemological and practical challenges to psychometrics-driven language testing. The present pilot study, attempting to resolve this seeming conflict, focuses on the behavior of two CA-trained raters applying a holistic rubric to responses on a test of ESL oral pragmatic competence. Results showed that CA-informed testing (CAIT) could be practical, though statistical reliability was not achieved. However, post-rating hermeneutic dialogues between the raters provided evidence that valid inferences of examinee oral ESL pragmatic ability could be made through iterative, rater recourse to empirical data in a conversation-analytic mode. A model for iterative, CA-informed SLPT development is offered.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)155-183
Number of pages29
JournalLanguage Testing
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • Linguistics and Language

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